Gerben Willems joins Gilde Equity Management as Senior Partner

As per 1 November 2022, Gerben Willems and his investment firm Triacta will join forces with Gilde Equity Management as part of the firm’s strategy to strengthen its leading position in mid-market private equity in the Benelux.

Gilde Equity Management is an independent private equity firm with over €2 billion in committed capital. With roots dating back to 1982, Gilde is a leading investor in Benelux-based companies and has helped many entrepreneurial management teams realize international growth. It has extensive experience in business succession and is specialized in digitalization and sustainability. Recent Gilde investments include: VDH Solar, Bruynzeel Storage Systems, Wasco, Innotec, Excluton, Eiffel and DPA.

Gerben Willems founded Triacta in 2010 and has led the investment team since then as Managing Partner. Prior to founding Triacta he worked with H2 Equity Partners. He also founded, led as CEO and successfully exited Cycleon, a leading tech-enabled European reverse logistics business active in more than 25 countries. Gerben started his career as a consultant at McKinsey. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and an MSc in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology.

Gilde Managing Partner Gerhard Nordemann:

“We are pleased to welcome Gerben to our team. With his experience in private equity as well as entrepreneurship and leadership roles, Gerben brings a very relevant perspective and expertise to
Gilde Equity Management. We are confident that Gerben’s experience, network and personality will open up new opportunities for us and will help Gilde Equity Management remain a leading investor in the Benelux.”

Gerben Willems:

“I am very excited to join Gilde Equity Management. They are skilled and trustworthy entrepreneurial investors who truly help companies and management teams realize their full potential, resulting in impressive investment results. I’m looking forward to joining Gilde’s team of involved professionals. After having led Triacta for 12 years, it feels like a natural next step to continue my passion for private equity in a larger organization that has the same investment philosophy.”