Discover the DNA of… Boudewijn Erasmus

GenDx is a global leader in molecular diagnostics for matching stem cell transplant patients with donors, and monitor success of transplantation. Our team consists of specialists, strategists, technicians, developers and creatives, all with different competences but with the same drive: to improve the quality of life of transplant patients worldwide. In our blog Discover our DNA, we like to introduce you to the people behind GenDx. This time we are happy to introduce our colleague:  Boudewijn Erasmus

Boudewijn in a few words
Dedicated, empathetic, analytical, sportive, realist

What position do you fulfill?
Chief Marketing Officer.
As Chief Marketing Officer I’m responsible for all communication and marketing activities of GenDx. Together with my colleagues Maria, Inge and Manon, we are working daily on actions related to new or existing products and supporting activities. This is visualized by brochures, presentations, mailings, many other documents, website and social media channels. Especially Covid-19 has helped to become extra creative and strengthened the digital approach.

Additionally, we often receive a bunch of ad hoc requests to create specific materials or support other teams within GenDx, e.g. product or price information, adapted manuals or registration related documentation. We are present at many congresses, of which the EFI in Europe and ASHI in North America are the most important and biggest immunology meetings to prepare for. Usually 4 to 6 months ahead, we already start with the arrangements for our presence and characteristic activities of GenDx. Most of you will recognize our Trainings, Satellite Symposium and the Tulip Run, all part of an intensive four-day scientific and active congress program.

What motivates you in your work?
This is actually twofold: contribute to the improvement of healthcare and transplantation, offering the patient the best treatment available, as is our mission. Secondly, translate research results into commercial market opportunities and brand strategies. I consider it as an elegant way to get new research and new activities financed. The versatility of my daily work is the main driver. I like the challenge working with different teams and the wide diversity of tasks and creative ideas.

What achievement are you most proud of (work related)?
Working over 6 years at GenDx, I’ve experienced consecutive steps of development from a startup-like environment to a scale up status. Also our market approach is more defined and regulated with better controlled business cycles. Our way of working within Marketing has been strongly aligned with teams of Sales, Education and Support, but also R&D. Representation outwards has been enhanced and I’m proud that we are still one of the strongest players in this niche market of molecular diagnostics. And also thanks to COVID, my team worked hard on professionalizing digital presence and communication via our website, social media, movies, webinars and congresses.

What is your passion, besides your work at GenDx?
Definitely my family. We have two children, Rosanne and Constantijn. Our weekly job is watching their field hockey competition, or I play my own match with my senior team. Of course back on track when COVID-19 is under control again! Funny to mention is all four of us were, one still is, students at the Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

I love to sail, especially on the sea. Recently I bought a sailing yacht with two friends and we try to go as frequent as possible. Comparable to marketing, I like the versatility of required skills: strategic sailing expertise, knowledge of navigation, tides, metrology and teamwork to decide on the optimal route. And last but not least, travelling. Roaming around with a motorhome has become our favourite way of exploring the USA and Canada, which we did over 5 times in the last decade.

What do people probably don’t know about you?
Most of my colleagues will now think of my weekly dip in ice cubes, but here I would like to mention our foster child being with us a long weekend per month. Although we had in mind to initiate it when our children were young, we accidently got a chance two years ago when this boy was born. Cycling together is big fun and very social as he greets everyone he meets along the way! Offering another child the same opportunities as our children is our modest contribution to improve the world, which hopefully improves and broadens his chances for the future.