Dr. Wouter Jacobs
Wouter Jacobs (PhD, 2007) is the founder and executive director of the Erasmus Commodity & Trade Centre (ECTC), fostering talent and ideas for future trade. He secured partnerships with 12 international firms through the Erasmus Trustfund. ECTC engages in academic and professional education, executive development, and applied research. Wouter leads the Leadership in Commodity Trade & Supply Networks executive program, launched in 2019, partnering with Singapore Management University and the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities. At Erasmus University, he is a senior research fellow at Erasmus UPT and has coordinated MSc programs in Urban Port & Transport Economics and Maritime Economics & Logistics for over a decade. In 2019, he won a 5-year tender to develop the Maritime Studies Programme Abroad for Nanyang Technological University. Since 2018, he has coordinated the MSc elective Introduction to Commodity Trade & Supply Networks at Rotterdam School of Management. Wouter serves on the advisory board of the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, has published in international peer-reviewed journals, and is frequently cited in major media like Financial Times and Bloomberg. His contract research involves key stakeholders such as the Municipality of Rotterdam, Port Authorities, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Main Research Areas
- Economic Geography and Regional Development
- Commodity Trade
- Maritime Business Services
- Port City Management and Evolution
Reinette Sluijk
Reinette Sluijk is the Programme Manager of the ‘Executive Programme Leadership in Commodity Trade and Supply Networks’ and the ‘Undergraduate Study Abroad Programme Maritime Studies from Nanyang Technological University’.
Maarten Frowein
Maarten is one of the initiators and founders of the Erasmus Trade & Commodity Center, where he now acts as trusted advisor to the management team. With over 25 years of experience in the commodity industry in various roles, Maarten is passionate about talent development and connecting emerging leaders in support of the business community. Through Frowein Executive Search Maarten is involved in boardroom advisory and executive recruitment in the Benelux, UK, Germany and Switzerland.
Nicole da Silva
Nicole is the Operations Manager, she oversee the seamless execution of our Academic and Executive education programmes. Nicole’s role is critical in managing logistics, including course coordination, participant registration, and communication, ensuring that each learning experience runs smoothly. Nicole has led the development of our Careers in commodity website while also coordinating marketing efforts and maintaining effective channels of communication with stakeholders. With a focus on improving workflow and efficiency, she supports our growing team by designing systems and processes that align with our strategic goals.
Navya Kumar
Navya Kumar is a Junior Researcher, contributing to Erasmus Commodity and Trade Centre’s applied research portfolio and teaching engagements. With a focus on the evolving dynamics of commodities trade and sustainability, she plays a vital role in translating complex research into actionable insights for industry stakeholders. Navya’s work spans a diverse range of topics, including carbon markets, critical raw materials, and the trade of ammonia and hydrogen. By synthesizing these areas, she develops strategic recommendations that address industry challenges in commodities trade.
Main Research Interests
- International Trade
- Energy Transition and Decarbonization
- Competitiveness and Regional Development