“Private investments are most suitable to benefit and have a meaningful impact on society.”

Willem H. (“Bert”) van den Hoek stands as a formidable leader in the international private investment and real estate landscape, bringing over three decades of deep experience and visionary thinking to private markets. As the founder of Hook Impact Capital Ltd, Bert channels his robust expertise in investment management, real estate, and business development to craft strategic, impact-driven solutions for his clients. His work bridges the traditional and progressive edges of investment, merging performance-driven outcomes with a commitment to sustainability and social benefit.

Bert’s journey into real assets began with a rigorous academic foundation, including a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Delft University of Technology, an MBA from Rotterdam School of Management, and further graduate studies at the University of Amsterdam. Early in his career, he gained hands-on development experience with Commerzbank Immobilien and Ballast Nedam, laying the groundwork for a trajectory that would increasingly combine technical precision with commercial leadership. A key period at PGGM in the Netherlands saw him manage prominent projects like the Frankfurt twin-tower development and conversions in the hospitality sector, setting the tone for a global career.

The international scope of Bert’s professional path became more pronounced during his tenure at Westbrook Partners in New York, where he took on senior analyst responsibilities focused on asset repositioning and strategic leasing. This marked the beginning of his engagement with transatlantic markets. From there, Bert transitioned into investment banking with Morgan Stanley in London, advancing from analyst to associate and advising top-tier property firms on M&A, restructuring, and portfolio sales—including the landmark €0.8 billion APG’s Dutch Retail VIB-Klépierre merger in 2000.

Bert’s subsequent role with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) further cemented his expertise in Pan-European real estate. As Vice President and Head of Asset Management for Europe, he oversaw a multi-billion euro portfolio spanning direct and indirect investments across major markets including the UK, France, and Spain. His ability to translate macro investment trends into strategic asset-level decisions made him an indispensable contributor on various fund boards and JV structures.

From 2004 to 2011, Bert worked at Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm, DWS, initially managing and expanding Northern European portfolios and later leading client relations across Benelux and the Nordics. He originated and executed first-time investments into high-yield property markets, structured successful joint ventures, and facilitated over €400 million in capital inflows across various funds. His reputation as a skilled fundraiser and market developer took root here, fuelled by both sharp analytics and trusted client rapport.

A significant chapter of Bert’s career unfolded at Partners Group from 2012 to 2019, where he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Benelux Private Markets. He played a dual role: as a rainmaker who raised over €3 billion in joint venture portfolios and as a coach mentoring investment teams. Notably, he pioneered a €100 million impact strategy for Dutch investors and co-developed a semi-liquid private markets solution with BlackRock that raised over $200 million. Bert’s ability to identify emerging themes like ESG and impact investing, and then translate them into bankable strategies, distinguished his time here.

His leadership journey continued with Bouwinvest Real Estate Investors, where he spearheaded the launch and growth of its New York office. As Senior Portfolio Manager North America, he expanded Bouwinvest’s U.S. presence, initiating $1 billion in real estate investments across life sciences, data centers, logistics, and residential segments. His strategic oversight of a $2.5 billion portfolio included forming JV partnerships in Canada and raising the firm’s profile through panel participation and thought leadership.

In 2025, Bert launched Hook Impact Capital Ltd in London, stepping into the entrepreneurial space with a mission to fuse capital with conscience. Through Hook Impact, Bert now advises private market players—fund managers, family offices, and developers—on fundraising and sustainable business development. His current mandates include strategic roles with Aqua-Spark, a venture capital firm focused on aquaculture health, and with a proptech company advancing sustainable building management. He also raises capital for firms such as Accord Group, Kettel Homes, and Catella.

Alongside his executive responsibilities, Bert remains active on boards and committees. He serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee for Equity Estate in the Benelux and advised Mitiska REIM and Wealth Management Partners in the Netherlands. These roles demonstrate his commitment to sharing his experience in governance, investment oversight, and strategic growth with emerging and established ventures alike.

Culturally fluent and geographically agile, Bert speaks Dutch, English, and German and has conducted business across the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Canada, and the U.S., with additional exposure to Asia. Outside the boardroom, he is an avid long-distance runner, having completed the NYC Marathon and Brooklyn Half Marathons. A competitive tennis player in his youth, Bert maintains a love for the sport, as well as playing golf. These pursuits reflect the stamina, focus, and discipline that permeate both his professional and personal life.

Bert van den Hoek is now seeking additional board opportunities to further deploy his decades of investment leadership, international exposure, and solution-oriented mindset. He brings to the table a rare combination of technical expertise, commercial savvy, and a deeply rooted mission to foster meaningful societal impact. Whether navigating private equity landscapes or steering ESG innovations, Bert remains anchored in his belief that capital, when guided with purpose, can be a transformative force.

Character:

Bert exemplifies integrity, humility, and reliability in every role he takes on. He is known for his approachable demeanor and deep commitment to empowering others, which makes him a trusted advisor and respected team leader.

Knowledge:

With over 30 years of cross-continental experience in real estate, private equity, and asset management, Bert possesses an encyclopedic grasp of market dynamics. He continuously seeks out new learning and applies it with strategic clarity to complex investment scenarios.

Strategic:

Bert’s ability to anticipate market shifts and convert emerging trends into viable investment opportunities has defined his career. Whether it’s launching new regional offices or designing multi-million-euro fund strategies, his thinking is always forward-looking and impact-driven.

Communication:

A fluent communicator in Dutch, English, and German, Bert effectively bridges cultures and connects stakeholders. His storytelling ability, sharp market insights, and public speaking experience on global panels make him a persuasive and authentic voice in the boardroom.