Marlieke Eekman
About Marlieke Eekman
Marlieke Eekman is the Director of Human Resources at Viking in Basel, Switzerland, with extensive experience in human resources, program direction, and intercultural communication.
Professional Background
Marlieke Eekman currently works as the Director Human Resources at Viking in Basel, Switzerland. She has progressed through various roles within Viking, including Human Resources Business Partner from 2019 to 2022, and Manager Human Resources & Planning from 2016 to 2018. Prior to joining Viking, Marlieke worked at Grand Circle Corporation as Lead Program Director / Trip Leader for three years and as Program Director / Trip Leader for six months. Additionally, she has extensive experience in the travel and hospitality industries, having served in various capacities including Booking Coordinator at Villa Willy Valencia and Front Office Receptionist at Càmping Mas Patoxas.
Education and Expertise
Marlieke Eekman holds a Federal Diploma of Higher Education in HR from ipso Bildung, earned from 2018 to 2019. She also completed a Master's Degree in Intercultural Communication and a Master's Degree in Spanish Translation at Utrecht University, where she earlier attained a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Language and Culture. Her educational background has provided her with a solid foundation in HR and intercultural communication, complementing her professional roles in human resources management and planning.
Key Responsibilities at Viking
As Director Human Resources at Viking, Marlieke Eekman focuses on scheduling, ensuring crew members receive clarification on Swiss labor law, work visas, and social benefits. She coordinates the division of projects among team members and manages special cases and crisis situations throughout the employee life cycle. Additionally, she maintains close business relations with local authorities and corporate leaders, reinforcing Viking’s commitment to adherence to local regulations and best practices.
Interest in Digitalization and IT
Marlieke Eekman has a keen interest in IT, particularly in project-based and analytical tasks. She has been a key member of a project group focused on the digitalization and automation of processes within SAP. Her contributions include the testing and roll-out of new data solutions, which aim to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.
Experience in Travel and Hospitality
Before her extensive roles in human resources, Marlieke Eekman gained experience in the travel and hospitality sectors. She worked as a Booking Coordinator at Villa Willy Valencia and as a Front Office Receptionist at Càmping Mas Patoxas. These positions involved coordinating bookings, managing guest relations, and ensuring smooth operation of front office services, contributing to her skills in customer service and operational management.