Fenne Schenkelaars

Company: ABN AMRO Corporate Finance
Job Description: Associate Director
Age: 29
Years of working experience in M&A: 5

What are the specialties of this talent?
Fenne is a true example of an experienced and committed, all-round M&A banker that is willing to go the extra mile, deep understanding of the complexities of transactions, result-oriented and focused on getting the deal done. She is setting an example for the team as well as within the broader bank, as all-round Corporate Finance professional.   

Over the last years, Fenne advised both international and domestic clients on carve-outs, strategic acquisitions, public-to-private and private equity linked transactions. Fenne was part of a large number of landmark deals throughout her career whereby she established a dedicated expertise in M&A. A number recent highlights are the public takeover of BeterBed, the carve-out of VolkerWessels’ services business, the sale of a minority stake in Funda and the sale of Conimex and Unox. 

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
She stands out among her peers with a positive, can-do mentality and an exceptional Corporate Finance toolkit. Fenne takes a down-to-earth approach to her work and always stays sharp and focused, even under high pressure situations. Truly dedicated and eager to achieve the desired results, Fenne remains enthusiastic whether it’s early in the morning or late at night. Clients appreciate her valuable contributions and she inspires colleagues within our department. 

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Within a relatively short period, Fenne was able to contribute to a large number of landmark transactions. As a result she has become a key player in ABN AMRO’s Corporate Finance team. She has the ability to connect with individuals at all levels, both professionally and personally. As a brief example, she also accepted the role of pool manager, next to her pipeline of running mandates, to also contribute to the ongoing development of our junior talent pool.  In essence, Fenne’s dedication to clients, ability to connect with people and her mentality of getting a deal done, makes her a highly respected colleague within our organization.  

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Fenne regularly joins student recruitment events, sharing her knowledge and experience to provide M&A insights to female students on working in M&A. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Fenne is an involved active member of the ABN AMRO Foundation to promote equal opportunities for primary school children by letting them participate in sports events and museum visits. Furthermore, she is a true sports fanatic and succesfully completed the marathon to raise funds for the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) last year. Driven by the same competitive energy that fuels her tennis game, she never stops pushing for the best results. Next to sports, Fenne loves exploring the world and learning from different cultures – an experience that strengthens her commitment to equality. 

To what extent does the talent make a difference when working with clients?
Based on numerous transactions over the last couple of years, Fenne has shown a talent for understanding client needs, translating complex (financial) situations into clear and actionable steps to be taken by the team. Her ability to listen, empathize, and respond with tailored advice has made her a trusted professional for clients. Not only the technical knowledge but also the emotional intelligence and a natural instinct for building trust. These qualities are rare and invaluable in a banking environment that increasingly relies on personalized service and long-term client engagement. 

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
With great enthusiasm we believe that Fenne deserves a nomination for Best Young Talent given. As a young professional, she constantly demonstrated a rare combination of transaction driven and dedication towards both clients and colleagues. Not only her technical skills but also her leadership potential and collaborative spirit distinguishes her as a future leader in the financial sector. For this reason we believe Fenne highly deserves this nomination.