Guru of the Year
Below is an overview of past years' award winners
The JLN Guru of the Year award was created to recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to the logistics industry, thereby promoting the development of young talent in the industry. The awards are presented annually during our Annual Conference. Below is an overview of past years’ award winners.
Elise Gerritsen
2024
For me as an econometrician, the world of logistics is and will remain a downright candy store ! Complex issues, technology and sustainability present intellectual challenges that call for pragmatic and creative solutions. Wonderful to sink your teeth into. And if, like me, you also have a keen interest in leadership and the development of (young) people, our sector is the place to be.My curiosity for new challenges led me from companies such as Nedlloyd/DHL to my own HR agency. From logistics ecosystems (Logistics Valley) to the international consulting world of BCI and recently the Dutch Bode Scholten/Transmission.As a director, coach and "guru," I enjoy carpentry for a more sustainable and diverse logistics industry.
Miranda Vodegel
2023
I have been working in the logistics sector for a relatively "short time," but quickly realized that there are many issues in the field that require solutions and structural cooperation. To this end, powerful professionals must be trained! But the professionals in the field will also have to learn about new techniques, different ways of managing, etc. It is obvious that 'human development' is central to all this. This is what I like to work hard for. I have done this in my career so far as an entrepreneur, (dance) teacher, choreographer, lawyer, manager and logistics guru 2023! In short, as diverse as my career is, I also like to look at diverse and creative teams: that's what will make the difference in future logistics ecosystems!
Jan Fransoo
2022
As a professor of Operations and Logistics Management at Tilburg University and TU Eindhoven, I have been active in educating students for 30 years. I also do research with companies in the Netherlands, and also a lot in developing countries because with better logistics the quality of life of billions of people can be improved. I love helping with JLN to inspire young logistics professionals on how they can make the world a little better in their profession.
Mieke Damen
2019
After a long, very international career as a supply chain professional and pioneer in business for companies like NIKE, Mexx and Vlisco - I now have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience by working as a commissioner, as a teacher, consultant and mentor. In addition to my work, I have always been active in professional associations, Top Sector, education and women's networks. Diversity is my passion, for too long I was an exception in logistics as a woman. Now I want to support JLN and logistics by really putting the diversity issue on the map in a positive way as a solution to many issues.
Hans Damen
2018
Brigadier General b.d. Hans Damen connects society, defense, logistics and innovation. Complex operations and intensive (inter)national cooperation characterize his career in Defense. He was deployed to Albania and Kosovo, served as a diplomat at NATO in Brussels and was commander of several Army logistics units. Damen introduced social media within the military and was at the cradle of the new cooperation model between business and Defense. Hans was voted Best Civil Servant of 2013 and Logistics Guru in 2018. Today he works as a Strategic Advisor in his own company Insparfcom. Within JLN, Hans is happy to help with logistics (defense) questions.
Hessel Visser
2017
Hessel Visser has devoted his entire career to unraveling and simplifying complex logistics processes. With more than five decades of experience in both high-tech industry and education, and as author of "Working with Logistics," among others, he has mentored countless students and professionals. Hessel believes that logistics is the key to efficient and effective operations. He sees it as his mission to inspire and guide young logisticians to develop innovative solutions to today's challenges. His motto "he who writes stays fit in his head" underscores the importance of continuous knowledge sharing.