About the Team
Thomas Julius SCHROEDER. Thomas is a fourth-year International Business student with a strong interest in strategy, leadership, and international market analysis, particularly in high-pressure environments. He has built an international profile through academic experiences in the Netherlands and Ireland, alongside professional roles across Europe. His background includes customer service, property management, and supporting international growth, providing both operational insight and strategic awareness. These experiences have shaped him into a globally minded professional comfortable navigating cross-cultural business environments. He aims to further develop his expertise through advanced studies and professional experience in an international context.
Marta Grau FIGUERAS. Born and raised in Catalonia, Spain, Marta is a third-year International Business student, who plans to specialize in Supply Chain Logistics after graduation. She left home at 15 to complete the International Baccalaureate in Canada, beginning a highly international and intercultural path. Marta later completed an exchange at Wintec University in New Zealand and an internship at AB InBev in Prague, where she supported daily operations and helped optimize inefficiencies. She has also gained additional professional experience in Spain before resuming her studies in the Netherlands.
Alessia KAZANXHIU. Originally from Italy, Alessia is a first-year student with a strong interest in languages and cultures. She completed a language-focused high school program studying English, French, and German, and also speaks Albanian. From a young age, Alessia pursued international experiences, travelling independently to New York at 15 and later living with a host family in Germany for a year. These experiences strengthened her independence, adaptability, and intercultural awareness. Curious and motivated, she approaches her academic journey with openness and a commitment to continuous learning.
Daan CUIJPERS. Daan is a Dutch International Business student with a strong interest in strategy, finance, and consulting. He thrives in competitive environments and enjoys challenges that demand structured thinking and strong performance under pressure. Alongside his studies, he has gained experience in customer-facing roles, developing communication skills, reliability, and professionalism in fast-paced settings. These roles reinforced his teamwork mindset and sense of responsibility. Through NIBS, Daan aims to sharpen his case-solving abilities and grow as a confident presenter, preparing for a future career in consulting or corporate strategy.
- Hossam SAKSAK (Coach). Hossam is a fourth-year International Business student at Zuyd. He enjoys mentoring students in business analysis and presentation skills and is serving as on-site coach for this year’s NIBS team. Fluent in Dutch, English, and Arabic, Hossam has a keen interest in strategy and communication. He gained experience in high-pressure environments through national-level debating, including competing at the international finals in Nanchang, China. Alongside his studies, he works as a bank advisor at SNS Bank and aspires to pursue a career in business consulting.
- Ed OVERES (Coach). Ed is a Professor of Strategic Management at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. He has a strong professional background in business consultancy, specializing at the intersection of ICT and business strategy, and has advised senior leaders at organizations such as KPN, KLM, Vodafone, and the City of Amsterdam. Ed teaches courses including Strategic Management, Cross-Cultural Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Ethics, and is known for his practice-oriented teaching and guidance on real-world business cases.