Sjoerd van Mierlo

Company: PwC
Job Description: Tax Manager
Age: 32
Years of working experience in M&A: 7

What are the specialties of this talent?
Sjoerd is an all-round M&A tax advisor who supports his clients with all aspects from a tax perspective throughout the deal cycle (due diligence, structuring, management participation, post deal implementation etc). Particularly his specialty lies with complex (international) tax matters involving Private Equity and Alternative Investment Funds. He also uses its capabilities in his work as lecturer at the University of Rotterdam as well as (co) author of various articles in reputable professional (scientific) journals. 

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
All his peers are great (both at PwC and outside).  What distinguishes or differentiates him is the fact that Sjoerd is allround and in all aspects a strong allrounder. Examples include:   

• He can adapt to the needs of his clients and the specifics of a proces. 
• Tax technical very strong and continues to invest in his skills   
• As a former top sportsmen (judo) in his youth Sjoerd knows when to focus, when to accelerate, and timely adapt to the changing circumstances which is extremely helpful in an deal environment with a lot of different and demanding stakeholders   
• He has proven to be one of our best technically skilled professionals who uses these technical skills together with his social skills to make colleagues, and students when teaching at the University of Rotterdam, better as well as enthusiastic for our work and profession 

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Sjoerd is element to the sustainable growth of our business:   

• his talents (see above) is noticed by clients and colleagues. He is asked for.   
• he is key to the development of younger talent both within PwC as well as outside   
• his energy is contagious 

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Beyond his professional achievements, Sjoerd applies his skills and discipline to sailing on the Waddenzee, with his wife, family, and friends. His commitment to sailing not only reflects a pursuit of a challenge but also a dedication to fostering meaningful connections with loved ones. In addition to his maritime interests, Sjoerd has a background in professional sports, having competed in judo, which has contributed to his development of resilience and strategic thinking. Furthermore, he enriches the academic community as a university teacher in the field of taxation and ethics, imparting knowledge and values to future professionals. Balancing these diverse pursuits with his career in M&A, Sjoerd exemplifies how personal passions can seamlessly coexist with professional responsibilities, encouraging himself and the people around him to achieve a well-rounded and fulfilling life. 

To what extent does the talent make a difference when working with clients?
He is clearly a subject-matter expert which is recognised internally and externally by clients. It is a pleasure working with him and he always finds the right balance between on the one hand tax technical content and on the other hand the ever changing deal dynamics. Finding such balance is a key asset and clearly makes a difference. 

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
The aforementioned should hopefully clearly highlight his talents.  We believe Sjoerd deserves this nomination as he is ambitious by showing his capabilities on the job rather that shouting out loud. As such we as  PwC, his team and clients want to nominate him as talented young M&A advisor to show our appreciation as well as a platform to the wider Dutch deals community!