Meet Wouter van Grootheest: Building on a strong foundation

Over the coming weeks, we’re sharing stories from the leaders within Novature. Who are they? What drives them? And how does their leadership shape the culture we’re building at Novature?

"Fix the basics. If the foundation isn’t solid, you can’t build anything on it."

For Wouter van Grootheest, CFO of Novature, this is the common thread in his work and leadership. From his own routines to building an organization: the foundation must come first. Only once the foundation is in place is there room to grow, innovate, and have fun. As he himself says, "You spend a third of your life at the office, so it should be enjoyable."

Growing into an international player

Nine years ago, Wouter joined what was then a small IT channel organization after being part of several large IT organisations. Louis invited him to help build it. A bold decision but it turned out well. "We complement each other. Louis is more the man on stage, I prefer to watch from the sidelines and keep a controlling eye."

Together, they saw the company grow from 100 to 750 employees. With Companial, acquisitions in Lithuania and the US, and the integration of new labels, a complete organization was built with professional teams for finance, legal, and HR. Today, Wouter focuses entirely on Novature, where he is responsible for group compliance, finance, and legal.

Leadership: adapting to the times

Leadership is never finished for Wouter. "The world changes, generations change, so leaders must change too. When I became a manager for the first time, I worked with the 'just get it done' generation. Now we lead young people who seek more meaning and want socially relevant work. As a leader, you have to adapt."

His approach is open and honest, with a strong emphasis on trust. He doesn’t like surprises, neither negative nor positive. "Made a mistake? Say it. We’ll solve it together." Even in hiring, his perspective has changed. Where he once focused mainly on skills and experience, he now prioritizes personality and team fit. "Skills can be learned, but character cannot. It’s about putting together the right puzzle pieces to form a strong team."

Building culture: open and equal

Within Novature and its labels, the culture is deliberately open and flat. No hierarchical ranks. "Whether you’re a developer or CFO, we treat each other equally. I’ve seen how it shouldn’t be done at other companies. Here, we want an environment where people truly feel comfortable."

This approach pays off. Where finance was once the not well respected department, it is now a valued partner for everyone in the organization. "It’s about bringing the right people together, with the drive to deliver service as a team."

Learning and looking ahead

Looking back, Wouter is most proud of the professionalism and atmosphere his teams have created. "New colleagues often say, ‘This is really a great company.’ You can’t build that on your own."

According to him, the future will demand even more agility, not just because of technology and AI, but also because society is becoming more complex. "Work and private life are increasingly intertwined. Employees ask questions about geopolitics or social issues. That demands a lot from leaders, especially on the human side."

The power of simplicity

Beyond work, Wouter makes sure the basics are in place. A stable home life, daily exercise, and personal training keep him fit for his challenging role. His biggest hobby: skiing. He takes at least two mountain trips per year with family and friends, returning fully recharged.

With this down-to-earth mindset, Wouter keeps himself and his teams sharp, because in simplicity lies the strength to grow big. This down-to-earth approach also shapes his leadership philosophy: “I see leadership as key to building a strong company. I try to lead with wisdom, care, and empathy, keeping everyone’s best interests in mind."