Diederik Rijsemus
About Diederik Rijsemus
Diederik Rijsemus serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of NAADAM, a role he has held since 2013. He has extensive experience in business development and has worked with various organizations, including EFactor and Ashoka's Changemakers.
Current Role at NAADAM
Diederik Rijsemus serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of NAADAM, a position he has held since 2013. Based in New York, he has been instrumental in the company's operations for over a decade. NAADAM focuses on sustainable cashmere production, emphasizing ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Rijsemus's leadership has contributed to the brand's growth and its commitment to social impact within the cashmere industry.
Previous Experience in Business Development
Prior to his role at NAADAM, Rijsemus worked as a Business Development Consultant for Ashoka's Changemakers in 2011 for six months in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. He also held the position of Business Development Europe at EFactor from 2012 to 2013 in Amsterdam, where he focused on expanding the company's market presence in Europe. His experience in business development has equipped him with skills in strategic planning and market analysis.
Educational Background
Rijsemus has a diverse educational background. He studied at Dickinson College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Chinese from 2007 to 2011. He then attended Peking University, achieving a Minor in Chinese from 2009 to 2010. Furthering his education, he completed a Master of Science in International Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam from 2012 to 2013. This academic foundation has supported his career in international business and development.
Experience in Financial Analysis
In 2009, Rijsemus worked as a Financial Analyst at Baker & McKenzie for four months in Amsterdam. This role provided him with experience in financial modeling and analysis, contributing to his understanding of economic frameworks. His analytical skills have been beneficial in his subsequent roles in business development and operations.
Cultural Engagement and Travel
Rijsemus has engaged with local cultures through his travels, notably in Mongolia. In 2013, he traveled to the Gobi Desert with a college friend, Matthew Scanlan, where he developed friendships with local herders. This experience allowed him to witness the impact of traditional cashmere trading practices, informing his perspective on sustainable practices in the cashmere industry.