Hesse van der Werk

Company: Marktlink
Job Description: Manager Marktlink
Age: 35
Years of working experience in M&A: 9

What are the specialties of this talent?
In late 2018, Hesse transitioned from EY Transaction Services to Marktlink, developing into a deal manager within three years. Over the past three years, Hesse has consistently proven his ability to generate great value for those around him. He is recognized as a specialist and the go-to person for deal technicalities within the firm, but what truly sets Hesse van der Werk apart is his ability to motivate, network, and connect people and ideas. 

Additionally, Hesse is a skilled listener, dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes while fostering and protecting trust among stakeholders. He quickly identifies the core of any issue and resolves it with both efficiency and effectiveness. 

Hesse has strongly positioned himself as a specialist in the sustainability and HVAC markets, successfully closing high-profile deals. His most recent transactions include the sale of the market leader in rejuvenating climate systems, AQ Group, to HC Partners, and the sale of data center sustainability specialist T&S Klimaattechniek to Nordic Climate Group, a market leader in the Nordics backed by Altor Equity Partners. 

Over his six years at Marktlink, Hesse has continuously demonstrated personal growth, self-reflection, and the ability to create an environment where the best interests of those around him are prioritized, whether they are clients, his deal team, colleagues, or his broader business network. 

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
Hesse makes a profound positive impact by leading his clients, deal team, and other stakeholders with expertise and care. His interests go beyond dealmaking; with his entrepreneurial mindset, he consistently generates new initiatives, connections, and ideas. He is also known for thinking outside the box, offering unconventional yet highly effective solutions to complex challenges. Additionally, Hesse is a strong networker, both inside and outside the firm. He excels at building his personal brand and focuses on nurturing long-term relationships. We greatly value his ability to bridge gaps between people, departments, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and understanding. His dedication and perseverance are evident, as he is always available when needed. Within Marktlink, Hesse creates a positive and collaborative environment, setting the tone for his department’s success. 

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Hesse has demonstrated his ability to create significant value for Marktlink, not only through his technical expertise but also through his drive to advance the organization in various aspects. His personal investment in understanding each team member’s strengths, challenges, and motivations enables him to allocate resources effectively and boost team morale, even under high-pressure situations. 

As a connector, Hesse fosters a collaborative work environment where everyone feels included and valued, ensuring that input from all levels is encouraged. He doesn’t just focus on his own team’s success and track record; he actively contributes to Marktlink’s broader interests. 

Hesse plays a key role in attracting and educating both junior and senior talent to the firm, organizing small- and large-scale business development events, and supporting the strategic expansion of the Marktlink Group. His contributions in these areas are highly appreciated! 

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Hesse is a strong networker whose ability to foster genuine connections with clients, lawyers, and other advisors truly sets him apart. His personable and thoughtful communication style helps put clients at ease, allowing for open and productive conversations. Hesse’s natural curiosity and broad range of interests enable him to relate to people on a deep level, whether discussing strategic business decisions or simply sharing common interests and motivations. 

Beyond Marktlink, Hesse frequently presents at entrepreneurial networks, sharing his expertise on the market from an M&A perspective. His dedication to knowledge-sharing extends to his role as a board advisor to the Carbon Network, an entrepreneurial organization based in Amsterdam that supports scale-up and adult companies. 

In collaboration with Carbon Network, Hesse has organized events aimed at educating young entrepreneurs on the potential to generate long-term value through M&A and strategic decision-making. His efforts to raise awareness and inspire entrepreneurs are a testament to his passion for building lasting relationships and driving business success.

To what extent does the talent make a difference when working with clients?
What sets Hesse apart from other advisors is the effort and perseverance he puts into ensuring the best outcomes for his clients. His approach to resolving complex situations is pragmatic and results-driven, aiming not only to maximize shareholder value through indepth market knowledge and fostering trust, but also to prioritize non-financial factors that benefit clients even after a deal is completed. 

Hesse’s style of dealmaking is both professional and personal. He takes the time to truly understand the core of his client’s business and personal needs, crafting M&A strategies that align with their goals and make them feel fully comfortable with the process. His clients value his ability to simplify complex situations by leveraging his financial expertise and presenting actionable steps to achieve results. 

A standout example is the pre-exit transaction of AQ Group to HC Partners, which was one of the most complex deals HC Partners had experienced, according to Tijmen Hoes. Despite HC Partners having completed over 100 deals, this transaction posed significant challenges due to the complex international company structure, rapid growth, multiple entities, minority shareholders, management participation, and legal restructuring. Hesse’s problem-solving skills, perseverance, direct and open communication, and out-of-the-box thinking were key in successfully closing this highly intricate deal. 

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Hesse van der Werk deserves the nomination for Best Young Talent due to his rapid mastery of the M&A profession and his impressive accomplishments within the industry. He has become a role model for young talent within our firm, consistently demonstrating dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic. Hesse’s contributions have made him invaluable to his clients, as he not only delivers exceptional results but also fosters trust and long-term relationships. 

If Hesse continues his current development, there is no doubt that he will become a partner in the coming years!