Van Lanschot Kempen: where specialism, a dynamic work environment and room for opportunity meet

Johnathan Leibbrandt has been working as a senior legal counsel at Van Lanschot Kempen for around two years now. In this role, he focuses on equity capital markets and corporate finance and works on transactions throughout Europe and the United States. When he moved to the Netherlands from South Africa a few years ago, it was to broaden his horizons and grow as a professional. At Van Lanschot Kempen, Johnathan found opportunities to do just that.

“Van Lanschot Kempen has a very sector-specific focus. This makes us a leader in the fields we focus on and explains why specialism is one of our core values”, Johnathan says. In his work, this translates to delivering personalized and bespoke solutions. “These unique solutions for clients require in-depth knowledge of the markets we work in to manage the transactions and cases we take on. I may be doing a rights offer in Sweden one day and a capital raise in New York the next. Basically, the work is very diverse, as we’re not just rolling out the same product or service to everyone. That makes it incredibly fun. But it also means we have to be all-rounders.”

Being a decision maker

Working in different markets doesn’t mean Johnathan gets to travel all the time – “unfortunately” – he says with a laugh. “Post pandemic, everything is happening online, so I work ofrom our Amsterdam office. But, obviously, we serve the rest of the world from here and I am connected to loads of different people.” When asked what he likes most about the organization, Johnathan doesn’t need to think: “Van Lanschot Kempen is really dynamic and agile. Organizationally, there’s a very flat structure. Everyone has access to the decision-makers, but you can be a decisionmaker yourself as well, which is nice.” And because they make transactions all over Europe and the United States, he adds, “we as professionals get to work and learn in areas and jurisdictions we wouldn’t necessarily get to work in at other companies. In my opinion, that really sets Van Lanschot Kempen apart”.

Welcoming culture

On the question what Johnathan’s ambitions are within the financial institution, he says he’s mainly excited to continue the journey he’s on now. “Working in this dynamic environment as we take on new challenges, that’s exhilarating to be a part of.” Also, as a committee member of VLK Pride, Van Lanschot Kempen’s LGBTQ+ committee, he thinks it’s great to be able to create structural change within such an established and relatively old company.

“We’re trying to raise awareness within the firm, and it’s great to be able to do that. I find this company has a really welcoming culture where I can be my authentic self, also as an international, and I love being part of the Van Lanschot Kempen team.”

Van Lanschot Kempen Beethovenstraat 300 1077 WZ Amsterdam + 31 (0)20 348 80 00 www.vanlanschotkempen.nl www.werkenbijvanlanschotkempen.nl