Gert-Jan gained Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Twente (1992, Netherlands; specialising in computational aspects) and from Virginia Tech (1994, U.S.A; specialising in process integration). He then joined Linnhoff March Ltd. in the U.K.; the world-renowned pioneers and experts of Pinch Analysis for energy, water and hydrogen efficiency. Gert-Jan's activities ranged from teaching training courses, executing consulting projects in a wide variety of process industries, and developing commercial and bespoke engineering software applications for clients worldwide.

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After moving to KBC Process Technology, these activities continued, with Gert-Jan specialising in the development of bespoke advanced utility system models and in industrial water minimisation for the oil refining and petrochemical industries.

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In 2016, Gert-Jan joined Orpic (now OQ) in Sohar (Oman) as Lead Engineer for Energy Management in the Downstream division. In 2020 he moved to the corporate Operational Excellence department in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate.

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In 2022, Gert-Jan started working for dss+ - formerly Dupont Sustainable Solutions - based in Dubai (UAE), as Subject Matter Expert for Industrial Energy Management and Digitalisation working for large clients in Qatar and elsewhere. He also assisted extensively with business development, knowledge management, and IP development.