Stan Plomp

Company: Marktlink
Job Description: Senior M&A associate
Age: 25
Years of working experience in M&A: 4

What are the specialties of this talent?
Stan combines strong financial acumen with a pragmatic and client-oriented approach. As an M&A Consultant at Marktlink, he has developed deep expertise in managing complex mid-market transactions across sectors such as consumer brands, manufacturing, and sustainability-driven industries.     

His ability to translate financial and strategic insights into clear, actionable deal advice distinguishes him as a well-rounded advisor. Stan has been instrumental in landmark deals in 2025 such as the sale of Stone Fashion Group (Goldbergh) to Scope Capital and Caltra’s strategic partnership with Kerakoll, where he played a central role in structuring, coordinating, and executing cross-border transactions. Also noteworthy is his role in the successful sale of Skins Cosmetics to Vendis Capital in 2024.     

Beyond his analytical and people skills, Stan stands out for his calm, structured approach under pressure and his ability to quickly understand the dynamics between shareholders, management, and investors. He combines technical precision with strong interpersonal skills, ensuring both smooth processes and lasting relationships. 

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
Stan stands out among his peers for his combination of maturity, composure, and genuine curiosity. Despite being only 25 years old and having 3.5 years of M&A experience, he consistently performs at the level of much more senior professionals.     

While many young advisors focus on the preparation side of deals, Stan distinguishes himself through his strategic thinking and people-oriented mindset. He understands that dealmaking is not just about numbers, but about aligning ambitions and building trust between entrepreneurs and investors.     

During his 4.5-month assignment in London earlier this year, Stan helped set up Marktlink’s UK office, transferring knowledge, tools, and the company’s entrepreneurial culture to a new team in a different market. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone and contribute internationally demonstrates both leadership potential and a strong sense of ownership. 

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Stan has become a cornerstone within the Amsterdam team and a role model for ‘younger’ colleagues. His positive energy and natural coaching style foster a collaborative and motivated atmosphere.     

He is the type of colleague who, regardless of workload, takes time to help others, explaining valuation methods, deal structures, or simply sharing lessons from previous projects. His peers often describe him as approachable, supportive, and dependable.     

Stan’s contribution during his time in London had a lasting internal impact: he transferred the “Marktlink way of working”, combining high performance with an open, entrepreneurial spirit, to a new office and new colleagues abroad. This made him not just an effective dealmaker, but also a cultural ambassador for the firm’s values and DNA. 

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Externally, Stan has made a clear impact on clients and partners. Entrepreneurs and investors consistently praise his professionalism, accessibility, and ability to maintain clarity throughout complex processes.     

In the Caltra–Kerakoll transaction, clients explicitly highlighted Marktlink’s strategic and calm approach, crediting Stan for his structured guidance and ability to manage both the emotional and financial dimensions of the deal. Similarly, in the Stone Fashion Group–Scope Capital deal, Stan helped navigate an international investor process and contributed to achieving a partnership that enables the company’s global expansion.     

By building trust, understanding client ambitions, and keeping stakeholders aligned, Stan strengthens Marktlink’s reputation as a trusted mid-market M&A advisor. His presence in these transactions enhances client satisfaction and increases the firm’s credibility in competitive international processes. 

To what extent does the talent make a difference when working with clients?
Stan makes a significant difference by combining analytical excellence with empathy and pragmatism. Clients appreciate his ability to simplify complex financial and legal matters, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence.     

He is known for being fully committed throughout each process often anticipating client needs and proactively addressing challenges before they arise. His style is calm, composed, and solution-oriented, which helps maintain trust even during high-pressure moments.    Rather than positioning himself as a “consultant behind the spreadsheet,” Stan acts as a true sparring partner for entrepreneurs. He listens carefully, translates their vision into strategic deal positioning, and delivers results that align with both financial and personal goals. 

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Stan Plomp represents the new generation of M&A advisors: financially strong, people-driven, and internationally minded. In only a few years, he has built an impressive track record, contributed to high-profile transactions, and shown leadership qualities far beyond his years.     

He continuously seeks to learn, improve, and help others grow. His impact reaches beyond dealmaking he strengthens his team, enhances Marktlink’s culture, and delivers exceptional value to clients.     

Stan’s combination of technical excellence, humility, and leadership potential makes him a true rising star within the Dutch and European M&A landscape. Recognizing him as Best Young M&A Advisor 2025 would not only honor his individual achievements but also highlight the values of collaboration, integrity, and entrepreneurship that define the next generation of dealmakers.