IT Chef-de-Mission, Amsterdam
From IT and AI ambition to action.
I turn complex IT and AI change into momentum. As a tactician who has spent thirty years building from the ground up, I bring structure and governance, from RFPs and compliance to architecture and roadmaps, and I translate strategy into execution.
Three ways to work together
From interim programme leadership to a sharp second opinion. Choose what fits your situation.
Project and transition leadership
For an IT programme that has to succeed: transformation, migration or phase-out. I take the lead on a clearly defined scope and make sure it sticks.
Fractional IT leadership
Direction for your IT without hiring a permanent CTO. For a fixed period, a few half-days a week: governance, strategy and direction.
Advice and second opinion
A specific question or a doubt? A sharp, independent view on cloud, digital sovereignty, AI adoption or architecture.
Successful assignments at
- KPMG
- Deloitte NSE
- NIBC Bank
- Van Lanschot
- Dexia Bank
- Gemeente Amsterdam
- Gemeente Hoorn
- UWV
- Ahold Delhaize
- KLM
- MN Services
- VBK Advocaten en Notarissen
- Brenntag
Where I add the most value
Vendor management, RFPs and negotiation
My strongest proven area: thirty years, across sectors. Sourcing, tenders, RFPs, SIAM, vendor selection, contract management and negotiation.
Building from the ground up
Building from zero, throughout my career. Among others at ViewData, Net-Consult ICT Groep, KLM Information Services, MN Services, the municipality of Amsterdam and, to a large extent, at Brenntag. Putting approach, structure and governance in place where they are missing, and carrying them through to delivery.
Cloud, digital sovereignty, infrastructure and operations
In-depth knowledge, backed by my own published essays. Cloud strategy, migration, data centre exit, transition and operations.
AI transformation and adoption
Broad experience, among others at Brenntag and VBK Advocaten en Notarissen. Responsible AI adoption, combined with data strategy, policy and governance.
About me
I am Arnold van der Veen Meerstadt, IT Chef-de-Mission and fractional Chief IT Transformation Officer. I advise boards on complex, technology-driven change and lead its execution.
I work with large, complex organisations to turn strategic ambition into structured IT transformation: setting up governance, setting priorities, sequencing initiatives and getting stakeholders aligned. The aim is to make change manageable and measurable.
Technology does not transform an organisation. Direction, alignment and disciplined execution do. I design the approach to change and guide its implementation, so that strategy becomes day-to-day reality.
I do not just advise. I roll up my sleeves and deliver results, without the usual high consultancy fees.
I learned this profession in practice, not in a lecture hall. Largely self-taught.
My articles and full CV are written in Dutch. Want to know more? Ask my AI assistant, it answers in English.
Questions recruiters and clients often ask
What do you do, and what role are you looking for?
I am an IT Chef-de-Mission and fractional Chief IT Transformation Officer. I work at a senior, hands-on level, as chief product owner, programme manager or chef-de-mission: starting a transformation, setting up a programme, or bringing structure where delivery has stalled. I am a leader and a driver of change. What I am not looking for: line management, PMO roles and purely operational or administrative project management.
What are you good at?
Bridging the gap between the executive level and IT. I translate strategic ambition into a structured transformation, with governance, clear priorities, the right sequence and stakeholders aligned, so that change becomes manageable and measurable. I design the approach, guide the implementation and deliver results, without the usual high consultancy fees.
Do you have experience in my sector?
Sector-specific experience is rarely the bottleneck. I get up to speed in new industries quickly and have worked in very different organisations, from banks and financial institutions to municipalities and government. My track record is deepest in banking and finance and in the public sector, municipalities in particular. My strengths, connecting people, setting direction and running complex programmes, work across sectors.
Do you work on site or remotely?
I am based in Amsterdam and work in the Amsterdam to Utrecht region. Travel within that region is included in my rate. Hybrid working is fine. For assignments further away, travel time and location are part of the rate discussion. This kind of work is most effective with a regular presence on site. Fully remote is less suitable. I work in Dutch and English.
Are you looking for permanent or full-time employment?
No. I work exclusively as an independent contractor, on a project basis. I never work more than 32 hours a week for a single assignment, so there is deliberately room for several clients at the same time. I am also open to a fractional role or a short advisory assignment.
How do you work as an independent contractor?
My way of working is designed to meet the Dutch rules on self-employment (Wet DBA): result-oriented and temporary, with my own methods and tools, no functional supervision, several clients at the same time and my own business risk. My role depends on the type of engagement. In project and transition leadership I lead a defined programme with an agreed result and end date. In a fractional role or as an adviser my role is advisory. Invoicing follows the type of engagement: hourly within a defined assignment for projects, a fixed monthly fee for a fractional role, and hourly for advice.
Do you work with AI?
Yes, extensively. In my own business and in assignments: AI pilots, compliance, agentic AI, integrations and data. More important than the tools: I combine hands-on experience with the strategic and governance perspective. For me it is about adoption, policy and compliance, not just the technology. I also publish on the subject.
What is your rate?
I work with guideline rates per type of engagement, depending on the form, duration, risk and location of the assignment. There is deliberately no price list on this page. Ask my AI assistant for an indication, or book an introductory call and we will agree on it together.
Are you available now?
At the moment I am largely booked. There is room for up to about 8 hours a week: a fractional role, or an occasional short advisory assignment. For a larger assignment, availability is usually a gradual build-up rather than a fixed start date. For the latest status, ask my AI assistant or book an introductory call.
A programme that has stalled, or a decision that weighs heavily?
Let's talk for half an hour. No sales pitch, just an honest assessment.