Maikel Reeder

CEO

Maikel is a highly accomplished CEO with 27 years of dynamic leadership experience, bridging Suriname and The Netherlands. With a visionary approach and entrepreneurial spirit, he has spearheaded projects and guided clients across Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Known for his expertise in strategic and crisis communications, change management, marketing, reputation management, social investment, and transformation, Maikel is a certified futurist, strategist, coach, and mentor. He also brings extensive experience from the film and entertainment industries.

His educational background includes certifications as a Foresight Practitioner from The Futures School (USA), in Spiral Dynamics Level 1 & 2 from the Adizes Institute (USA), and in conflict resolution and multi-stakeholder processes for governance and sustainability from Nova University (USA). Recently, he completed the Institute for Real Growth 100 Leadership Programme in The Netherlands.

Maikel’s career in the mid-90s was marked by his pioneering work in ethno-marketing, a groundbreaking approach that integrated multicultural dimensions into Dutch society. This innovation laid the foundation for impactful campaigns with global brands such as Heineken, Nike, ID&T, Absolut Vodka, Corona Beer, and Remy Martin.

From 2015 to present, as Director and Partner at R&G Consulting NV in Suriname, Maikel has been at the forefront of managing national election campaigns and communication strategies across the Caribbean. His clients include the Central Bank of Suriname. He has also led transformative projects for mining companies. Additionally, Maikel co-founded a creative marketing communications agency, Forward Motion/Brandnew Strategic Partners NV (Suriname).

Key projects under his leadership include a study on Spatial Planning for the Inter-American Development Bank, the Forest93 campaign promoting Suriname as the Most Forested Country on Earth, a Social Investment Strategy for IAMGOLD, and the communication component for Suriname’s successful REDD+ bid for the World Bank.

Maikel’s accolades include Communication Person of the Year 2019 and awards for Best Film and Best Director for “Akiki, het meisje van Moiwana” by I-Write. He was a three-time winner of the ‘Best TV Commercial’/’Best Campaign’ award in Suriname.

As the founder and board member of Stichting Groene Groei Suriname/Green Growth Suriname, Maikel promotes sustainable growth, working with government and indigenous peoples on climate change. Since 2019, he has served as Treasurer and Fundraiser, securing around US$700k annually for the foundation’s work.

Fluent in Dutch, English, and Sranantongo, with a remarkable track record in communication and marketing campaigns, Maikel has led transformative projects across various industries. His strategic prowess in elections, crisis management, and sustainable development, combined with his leadership, solidifies his reputation as a highly esteemed executive.