Lennert van Mens

May 1st I have joined the Strategy Projects department of Commerzbank, for its Corporate Clients division. I look forward to building on my experience with strategy development and wholesale customers, as well as to adding some exciting new experiences.

One of two people asked to join SMBC when it bought GE Capitals' European Leveraged Finance platform in Europe: now grown to nine people. - Origination & execution of Leveraged and Unitranche deals, with > €100,000,000 debt - Lead deal teams in transaction execution, and support internal coordination & coaching - Marketing and execution of Unitranche solutions through our JV with Park Square Capital

Headed the German execution team that analysed, structured and concluded LBO financings in Germany (€75,000,000 debt upwards). I was end-responsible for Investment Recommendations to the credit committee and legal documentation. Further responsibilities ranged from discussions with PR sponsors, through to prioritization of transactions and overseeing credit analysis & structuring. In addition, I was part of the local German management team.

Financing of €100,000,000+ leveraged buyouts, including credit applications and financial modelling. I was also a day-to-day commercial contact for management and financial sponsors of several large Dutch buy-outs, and together with our investment bank advised them on some key strategic decisions. Furthermore, I participated in several complex story credits and workouts. Based on good results, I was quickly promoted to Senior Associate.

- 1.5-years Business Portfolio Manager for payment ‘acquiring’: strategic marketing and product-portfolio management of cards, telephone, cash & internet payment-solutions for major retailers. Headed a cross departemental project for a medium-term investment strategy that the board of ING Netherlands adopted - 2-years Assistant Relationship Manager for Top-400 Dutch Corporates (Food, Packaging and Media). Also involved in credit workouts - First year consisted of several job placements accross ING

Successfully completed the renowned GE Crotonville Leadership Programme, including ‘Building Essential Leadership Skills’ (Netherlands), ‘Management Development Course’ (Abu Dhabi) and ‘Advanced Management‘ (UK, Ashridge).

Specialisation in Business-to-Business marketing. Degree at higher education level.

Courses on Financial Analysis, Corporate Risk Assessment, Cash-flow Analysis, Banking & Tax, Securities, Stocks & Equity, Insurance, International Payments etc. IN addition, I received personal coaching and trainings for leadership skills, sales, negotiation techniques and organizational influence.

Thesis: Turkish Discourses on Citizenship in the Netherlands. Graded 8.Courses included Organisation Theory, Political Behaviour and Strategy, Political Economy and Political Philosophy. My average grade was 8- (on a scale of 1-10).