Jan-Bart Smits

Jan-Bart started his career in executive search in 1990 with a local search and selection firm based in the south of The Netherlands. After a little over a year at a software reseller, he returned to the search business with a fast-growing international search firm. In 1997 he joined Korn/Ferry International, where he worked until 2009 at both the Amsterdam and Dubai offices. When in Amsterdam, Jan-Bart ran the Technology and Professional Services Practice for The Netherlands, was a member of the e-Business Practice for two years (including running the European e-Business Practice), and managed the European account relationship with several technology clients. In 2007, Jan-Bart moved to Dubai to join the Korn/Ferry Middle East and Northern Africa office, where he ran the Technology and Professional Services Practice.

At Stanton Chase, Jan-Bart serves as Managing Partner for the Amsterdam office and is a member of the Technology and Professional Services Practices. He also runs the Global Semiconductor Practice, which reflects his specialization in the semiconductor industry, technology, and professional services. During his tenure at Stanton Chase, he has held various leadership roles, including Global Practice Leader Technology, Global Practice Leader Professional Services, and Global Chair.

During his career, Jan-Bart has worked on numerous high-level search assignments, including CxO and non-executive board roles.

Jan-Bart’s hobbies include rowing, running, and driving his Harleys. He holds an MSc in Astrophysics from Leiden University in The Netherlands. His mother tongue is Dutch; he is fluent in English and has a reasonable command of German and French, and speaks some Italian.