Boy Kies
“HeadFirst Group is a young, dynamic, and energetic team. If you’re ambitious and want to excel, this is the place for you.”
Boy Kies | Director of Business Development
Boy has been part of the HeadFirst Group since 2024, where he has achieved impressive growth in a short period of time. He started in a sales role, where he was responsible for establishing and building long-term relationships with partners. Afterward, Boy became responsible for the existing business within the sectors: transportation, logistics, retail, and manufacturing. And since January, he has held the title of Business Development Director. In this role, he focuses entirely on new business. “I have a enjoyable task of new partnerships to build”, he says.
Keep growing
Ambition and professional growth have been a constant theme throughout Boy’s career. With over five years of experience in the business world, he has made visible strides every year. He continues to challenge himself, is open to learning, and keeps a close eye on the ever-changing market. HeadFirst Group’s “push boundaries” culture is a perfect fit for him. “It’s great to work for an organization that actively supports your growth by offering training and development programs.”
“I really appreciate the culture at HeadFirst Group, where performance is recognized and rewarded. Anyone who shows initiative and can clearly explain why they’re ready for the next step is given the opportunities and support they need. Everyone truly works together to help us all move forward.”
Personal relationships as the foundation for success
In his day-to-day work, Boy interacts frequently with potential clients, often within procurement or HR teams. He is known for his enthusiasm and prefers to handle collaborations in a pleasant, natural way. For Boy, sales isn’t just about numbers—it’s primarily about people. He looks for ways to truly help them. He does this by having many conversations and building personal connections. This keeps the conversations lighthearted and approachable.
According to him, transparency and accessibility are essential elements in this regard. “By communicating clearly and honestly, I’ve noticed that collaborations not only run more smoothly, but also become more enjoyable.” The sense of responsibility he feels toward his partners ensures that he is deeply committed to the collaboration. He offers only the best service. He does this not by pointing fingers at others, but by taking responsibility for his partners and doing whatever is necessary.
“The elite sports culture within Team HeadFirst Group is what truly sets the company apart.”
Stronger Together
Within the team, each member works in their own area of expertise, with the corresponding responsibilities. Each team member applies their expertise to specific partners and projects. And when necessary, these areas of expertise are combined.
“Every Monday, we kick off the week together with an overview of our current projects, the latest developments, and the partners we’re working with. During this meeting, we share our successes, discuss challenges, and ask for help when needed. This keeps everyone informed about each other’s work, and allows us to adapt quickly to find the best solution. This way of working together has made us a close-knit team with a strong shared sense of responsibility,” explains Boy.
“We work purposefully toward concrete results in order to achieve our annual target.” In doing so, we not only acknowledge our successes but also celebrate them. Here, dedication and performance are truly valued.
Careers at HeadFirst
According to Boy, HeadFirst Group stands out not only for its cutting-edge technology, but also for the energy and positivity the organization exudes. These qualities resonate well with Boy, who thrives in an environment where ambition and enthusiasm are combined with professionalism.
“The elite sports culture withinTeam HeadFirst Group is what truly sets the company apart. We regularly have team outings and fun activities. What I enjoy most is being able to bring my clients along to great events, such asPremier Padel.” The balance between hard work and exciting (sports) events brings a sense of focus and calm, which Boy greatly appreciates.
Boy speaks enthusiastically about his experiences at HeadFirst Group and encourages others to take the plunge as well: “It’s a young, dynamic, and energetic team. If you’re ambitious and want to excel, this is the place for you. There are endless opportunities here, and that makes it a great organization to work for.”
Will you be Boy's new colleague?
Thialf Elite Sports Community
Thialf World Allround Championships
Team HeadFirst Group
On March 5, the dynamic energy of elite sports, innovative thinking from the scientific community, and the drive of the business world came together at Thialf. Team HeadFirst Group entered the stadium alongside colleagues and clients and enjoyed an inspiring evening thanks to our partner Topsport Community
Building on the success in Milan
The evening began with a warm welcome and a buffet dinner. Before long, the focus shifted to insights into the world of sports. There was no better guest to lead this discussion than speed skating icon Rintje Ritsma. He took us back to the highlights of the recent Olympic Games and offered a preview of the World Championships weekend. Drawing on his experience as a top athlete, Ritsma emphasized that mental resilience, sharp analysis, and the ability to always go that extra mile are the building blocks of elite performance.
Networking in the speed skating arena
The event at Thialf was about more than just sports. We attended alongside colleagues and business associates, which immediately made it a great opportunity to catch up with each other in a different setting. It offered a unique chance to engage with other professionals and exchange ideas.
While preparations for the first sprint sessions were underway behind the scenes—featuring athletes such as Femke Kok, Suzanne Schulting, and Jenning de Boo—there was plenty of networking going on in the stands. It is precisely this combination of elite sports and informal get-togethers with colleagues and business associates that defines Team HeadFirst Group.
Energy, inspiration, and connection
At At Team HeadFirst Group , we believe that work goes beyond just your role. Whether it’s moments at Thialf, Premier Padel, during Mud Masters or at The Dutch Masters, we bring people together and challenge each other. That combination of ambition, collaboration, and experience is evident everywhere. It shows how we, as an organization, build strong relationships and a close-knit team, where there is room for fun, growth, and celebrating successes together.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
How CEO Marion van Happen Inspires
This is how our CEO at HeadFirst Group inspires others: curious, people-oriented, and always on the move
Leadership shapes the energy of an organization. It reveals how we work together, where we’re headed, and what kind of environment you’ll be joining as a new colleague. That’s why we’d like to share how our CEO, Marion van Happen, guides HeadFirst Group. With curiosity, a people-first approach, and the drive to keep growing every day. Her leadership style says something essential about us. About the culture you’ll be working in, the freedom you’ll have, and the energy you’ll feel here. A culture that moves, evolves, and invites you to do the same.
Curiosity that drives change
At HeadFirst Group, we believe that true innovation starts with curiosity. Not knowing, but wanting to discover. Not assuming, but asking questions. Marion brings that to life in everything she does. She brings people together, challenges teams to think further, and creates an environment where ideas can collide to become better. That open way of working fosters a dynamic in which knowledge isn’t hoarded, but circulates, grows, and adds value every single day. Curiosity isn’t an afterthought here; it’s the engine that drives us forward.
People-centered leadership that fosters growth
What makes Marion special is how she combines sharp insight with a human touch. She constantly focuses on what delivers the greatest value: we strengthen core activities and simplify or automate non-core work, so that people have the time and space to focus on what truly makes an impact. At the same time, she stays close to the teams. She listens, walks alongside them, asks questions, and seeks connection. This creates a clear picture of where opportunities lie and what choices are needed to keep moving forward. As a result, decisions are not only better, but also feel fair, supported, and logical. It is leadership that brings peace of mind and unleashes energy.
Talent that grows, flourishes, and moves forward
For Marion, leadership is about helping talent flourish. It’s not about titles or labels, but about qualities like curiosity, courage, collaboration, and a growth mindset. At HeadFirst Group, you’ll therefore have every opportunity to shape your own path—whether that means deepening your expertise, broadening your horizons, or taking a completely new direction. We encourage initiative, celebrate successes, and offer opportunities that align with who you are and who you want to become. This makes HeadFirst Group a place where everyone can grow and where leadership isn’t just at the top, but emerges throughout the organization.
A message for future colleagues
Stay curious. Move faster than you think you can. Take the initiative. Dare to try, fail, and start over. That’s how you foster growth. That’s how you make an impact. That’s how you make your work meaningful—for yourself and for others. Why does this matter to you? This article isn’t just about our CEO. It’s about the culture you’ll experience when you join HeadFirst. A culture that reflects our core values: curious, because we keep discovering and asking questions; people-oriented, because we see, support, and build together; and full of energy, because we want to move forward with ambition and drive. If this resonates with you—if you want to grow, learn, build, and make a difference—then you’ll feel right at home with us.