HISTORY

A moment to reflect seems logical but to completely face up to this doesn’t suit me at all. It reminds me of getting older. For many, its a period when the future becomes shorter and the past becomes longer and therefore threatens to take the dominant position. I’d therefore prefer not to talk too much about the past but instead, share a couple of experiences and, in particular, a couple of changes:

• The drastic changes as a result of automation (from handwritten memos to electronic data communication);

• candidates have become more and more outspoken (growth of personal awareness);

• growth and acceptance of specialist agencies aimed at specific sectors and/or positions, for example, in 1985 G&O started to exlusively focus on management positions in technology, industry and logistics;

• the foundation of the OAWS in 1983, specifically with the intention of being ‘high-quality agencies’ with a difference;

• increasingly critical stance towards psychological tests and/or assesments;

• various changes in Higher Vocational (Technical) Education and (Technical) Universities;

• the growing role of women in (parttime) management positions;

• “The quality of life” that is no longer determined only by work;

• Internationalization of positions and fields of work;

• The increase in legislation and jurisdiction in both society and business;

Enough about the past. Now lets take a look at the future. The future with  G&O, now run on a day-today basis by Gertjan van de Groep, assisted by nine well-educated colleagues who are committed and experienced, with discernible specialisms in executive search, interim management, international management search and specialist recruitment.

And there’s lots more to come.  G&O will continue to closely keep up with all the latest developments and immediately react when possible. The aim to be and remain a “finding excellence” partner for our (prospective) clients in industry, technology and logistics is firmly rooted in our company. I am confident that G&O will continue to develop and adapt.

Wim van de Groep

Founder of G&O