After being commissioned as an Artillery officer in 1979, Rob Bertholee successfully held various command and staff positions in the armed forces. In 1988 he completed the two year Netherlands Command and General Staff Course. In 1991and 1992 he attended US Army Command and General Staff Officers Course, and acquired his Masters’ Degree in Military Art and Science. He was deployed to Kosovo (2000) en Afghanistan (2003). Taking into account his postings in Germany and the US he enjoyed more than 10 years of working in an international environment. Upon retirement as Chief of the Army in November 2011, he was appointed Director- General of the Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) In turbulent times he transformed the AIVD from victim of budget reductions to valued partner and advisor. In 2014 he was the rotating Chairmen of the NATO Civil Intelligence Committee. During those twelve months he was able to step up cooperation with the Military Intelligence Committee to a significant higher level. In 2016 he was rotating Chairman of the European Counter Terrorism Group (CTG); as such he was instrumental in the structural improvement of information gathering and information sharing concerning counter terrorism. After seven years as Director-General he handed over to his successor. Rob Bertholee enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with young leaders as an executive coach and as a guest-speaker. He focusses on national politics, geo-politics and international relations. He plans to retain his curiosity for many years to come.