Gijsbert de Zoeten
Gijsbert de Zoeten is a seasoned finance executive and has performed the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role since 2008. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles at international organisations, including Unilever, LeasePlan, Inchcape PLC and Accell Group. As CFO, he focuses on supporting the growth and improvement of companies, with a keen emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and talent development as essential pillars. Notably, he has worked in both private equity and publicly listed environments. Until April 2025 he was CFO of Accell-Group.
25 years at Unilever
De Zoeten started his academic journey studying business administration at the University of Groningen in 1984 and he subsequently completed the postgraduate controllers Programme (RC) at the Free University of Amsterdam.
In 1989, he commenced his professional journey at Unilever, progressing through various financial management positions over the years. His international experience includes working in Brazil where he was responsible for integrating three businesses, and in 2008, he assumed the role of CFO Unilever Foodsolutions worldwide (B2B). From 2010 to 2016, he was CFO of Unilever Europe, guiding the organisation through significant change, aligning a sustainable vision for the future with challenging financial objectives.
De Zoeten actively promoted sustainability, strategically integrating it as a business driver during his tenure at Unilever. His contributions led to successful growth, increased return on investment, and transformation of the finance function.
A New Challenge at LeasePlan
In October 2016, De Zoeten transitioned to the role of Chief Financial Officer at LeasePlan, a globally leading car leasing company. He sought a new challenge and, similar to his previous roles, instigated significant changes and played a key role in a major transformation. This time in a private equity environment, with a focus on investing in the future and making the company better. The company transformed from a multi-local entity to one with an integrated business structure – whilst at the same time capturing significant synergies.
Additionally, he played a key role in the IPO, from its inception to the final phase (ITF). The IPO was withdrawn just before listing due to unfavourable market conditions (the company was subsequently bought by ALD). During his tenure at LeasePlan, he tackled substantial challenges, including the transition to 100 percent emission-free mobility and the digitisation of internal processes in the organisation.
VRC Top 50
The Dutch Association of Registered Controllers compiles an annual top 50, featuring RCs active in the corporate and public domain. Throughout his career, De Zoeten consistently ranked in the top 50 of registered controllers and was in the top two for a number of years.
Delft University of Technology
In 2016, the Minister of Education appointed him as a member of the supervisory board of TU Delft, where he also chaired the Audit Committee. He leveraged his business expertise to contribute to the development of the Technical University (TU). Responsibilities include the appointment of new Executive Board members, approving the strategy, and scrutinising financial performance – during a time of major real estate investments.
Getting Started at Inchcape
In September 2019, De Zoeten started in a new role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the London-based Inchcape, a global automotive distributor and service provider operating in over 30 countries.
Notably, he navigated the company through the global pandemic, when the Group was also undergoing a change of CEO. During this challenging period, he adeptly steered the company, implementing substantial restructuring and cost-saving measures. His efforts extended to enhancing investor relations and shaping a positive external perception of Inchcape, and substantially improved the shareholder register. He played a leading role co-developing the ‘Accelerate’ strategy, providing direction for both organic growth and expansion through acquisitions (M&A). De Zoeten assumed responsibility for M&A, overseeing a series of acquisitions and successfully completing the takeover of South America’s largest independent distributor (a transaction adding circa 25% to the Group’s Turnover).
The finance function was also transformed, through improving controls, outsourcing and a strategic focus on talent development.
Financial restructuring at Accell Group
After Inchcape De Zoeten started as CFO at Accell Group – a leading European player in E-Bikes and components bought by PE (KKR and Teslin) at the end of 2022.
The company was in transformation after industry-wide issues post COVID. His primary area of focus was a financial restructuring – where the company debt was reduced from €1.4bi to €800m. A very complex process with many stakeholders that was completed successfully in February 2025, and that has resulted in a solid position for the future of the company .
The Future in Sight
With an extensive background spanning various sectors, including Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and automotive, working in Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) markets, De Zoeten has actively contributed to diverse strategic initiatives. His involvement ranges from mergers and acquisitions to an Initial Public Offering (IPO), financial restructuring, managing investor relations, to transformation of the finance function.
His expertise extends to inspiring leadership, navigating restructurings, and leading turnarounds. Over the course of his professional journey, he has traversed European, Latin American, African, and Asian markets.