Douwe Engelsman - Partner at EO Netherlands

Executive Search & Interim Management for Key Finance Positions

Specialty: PEs, Multinationals, Listed Companies & Family Businesses

20+ years

in Financial Search

20+ years

in Building Teams

Private Equity

Proven Track Record

About Douwe Engelsman

As Partner of EO Executives in the Netherlands, Douwe Engelsman is specializing in placing executives who not only demonstrate professional excellence but also make an impact from day one. His expertise lies in key roles in Finance that are critical to a company’s success in post-deal, scale-up, and turnaround situations.

His clients include private equity firms, multinational corporations, publicly listed companies, and family-owned businesses. They operate under intense performance pressure and require leaders who can deliver immediate impact. Douwe Engelsman knows that simply hiring the apparent best executive is not enough. What matters is whether they can deliver results in the specific environment.

“A CFO must do more than report numbers. He or she leads people and organizations safely through transformations. My goal is to find the personalities capable of meeting that responsibility.”

This mindset is why he supports companies in critical phases of change, fills key positions with precision, and ensures that leadership teams become effective without delay. His recent projects include placing CFOs, Global Heads of FP&A, Vice Presidents of Finance Transformation, and Group Controllers. Across all assignments, his focus is not on the résumé but on the contribution to business performance.

Professional Background

Douwe Engelsman has more than a decade of experience in executive search with emphasis on Finance and Private Equity. He was a partner and manager at various leading executive search firms and has successfully filled numerous leadership positions in international corporations, family-owned businesses, and private equity portfolio companies.

His international perspective is complemented by an Executive MBA from Nyenrode Business University, which he completed with modules at Stellenbosch Business School, UC Berkeley Extension, and the SP Jain School of Global Management in Singapore. He has a strong network in his industry and holds a coaching degree.

“In a tight talent market, Douwe moved fast and delivered. He understood the industry, the stakeholder needs, and the team dynamic — and that alignment drove real results.”

Maurits Werkhoven Partner at Cape Investment Partners

For several key hires in my team in a dynamic environment, I have worked closely with Douwe. He consistently delivered strong shortlists of candidates within short timelines, presenting candidates who not only had the right capabilities but also fit exceptionally well with our company culture and team dynamics.

On several occasions, Douwe encouraged me to speak with candidates who, on paper, seemed less obvious but they turned out to be the perfect match. This reflects his deep understanding of the role requirements as well as the interpersonal dynamics and the culture within my team.

Patrick Rommers CFO at Dutchmed Group

I have worked with Douwe Engelsman for several years and highly recommend his services. Douwe consistently demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of the Finance function and our wider business, translating requirements into well‑matched candidate profiles. His ability to find the right fit—both in skills and culture—has repeatedly led to successful placements.

I also value his commitment beyond the hiring decision. His follow‑up and ongoing engagement ensure a smooth integration and long‑term success of the selected candidates. Douwe has proven to be a reliable and insightful partner in executive recruitment.

Marcin Miskiewicz Global Director FP&A at FrieslandCampina

Douwe fully understood our professional demands for a CFO for our family office. But even more important, he immediately recognized what our CFO should bring to the table in terms of soft skills and character.

Coen Jaakke Founder & Managing Director SPYNE Legal