Didn't start out as the pickle prince  

Camiel studied Economics and Business at the UvA. As an outsider, you might think: a logical choice if you want to continue the family business. But that was not the reason, he says with a laugh: ‘Of course, it turned out to be useful, but it was not why I chose it.’ Once he had started his studies, he realised that his background did come in handy. ‘During the programme, we increasingly had practical assignments to carry out at companies. And then it was, of course, very convenient to do those at Kesbeke.’ 

From study assignments to real ambition 

This way, he learned more about the company he had grown up in and became increasingly enthusiastic. But that took time: ‘When I was younger, I was not interested in the family business. I did not find pickles very sexy back then. But the more I learned about it, the more I enjoyed it. I am really grateful to the UvA for that.’ Ultimately, the idea is that Camiel, together with his brother Silvian, will take over the helm at Kesbeke. But they are not quite there yet: ‘We have mapped out a whole training programme beforehand. It includes courses and, for example, a personality test. Because of course you know each other as family, but leading a company together is something quite different. This way, we can eventually divide roles: I will mainly be in the office and Silvian more on the operational side.’ 

Always something to fall back on 

So did he really need that Master’s at the UvA? Camiel laughs: ‘Well, look, if the factory burns down and I end up on the street, it is a comforting thought to have a degree. You always have your qualifications.’

Besides serving as a safety net, his Master’s at the UvA also gave him knowledge he can now apply directly at Kesbeke. ‘What I have mainly taken from my time at the UvA is that at university you learn to think in a different way. To pause, think critically and analyse before you make a decision.’