JSI is very happy to have Mark join our team in the Netherlands as Country Manager.  

Mark Agterdenbosch’s journey in international trade, investment and relations began in Brussels where, having studied applied economics at university, focussing on the European Union, he worked as a project consultant for the German-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (AHK debelux). He then moved to Johannesburg where he joined the Southern African-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (SANEC) and gained work experience in business expansion, market access, development and investment relations through SANEC’s collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  

Returning to the Netherlands after three years, Mark joined SANEC in the Hague and forged strong relationships between Southern Africa and the Netherlands, working on projects such as the World Cup 2010 and boosting business for Dutch companies through their partnerships with Southern African organisations. It wasn’t long before he was offered a position as the first General Manager of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund in order to establish an affiliate office in the Netherlands. Over a four-year period, Mark worked with various South African and Dutch stakeholders to build fundraising strategies and projects focussing on children and youngsters. 

When SANEC expanded into the EMEA territory, projects focussing not only on business but on sports, arts and culture reinforced the relationship between South Africa and the Netherlands. Business education and government relations were vital and Mark played an intermediary role in assisting companies in achieving their goals on a multinational level. 

Mark has been appointed in 2023 as Country Manager for JSI in the Netherlands to assist with the rapid expansion of this very exciting business.