WHO IS ALIDA KRUIJER?

1. What is your function? Not just your title, but what do you do?
I am Branded Content & Special Projects Manager, which is quite a mouthful. I’ll be helping advertisers reach the goals they’ve set for the television medium. So I’ll be the matchmaker between advertiser and TV format. Of course I’ll be looking at other media as well. The Special Projects are out-of-the-box initiatives that need to be managed for Absolutely Independent. This sounds rather obvious and I guess it is. But I can’t disclose too much about this yet….

2. How long have you been with Absolutely Independent?
At the time of this interview: three entire days! I know, but that’s all it is for now. The application process started in August, though. My colleagues are so warm that it feels as if I’ve been working here for years.

3. What did you do previously?
I’ve worked in the online marketing business in various positions. Before joining Absolutely Independent, I was Key Account Manager at an e-marketing company. There, I tried to explain to clients that there were many more options in e-marketing than just newsletters and that a database is of vital importance. Now I hope to apply my knowledge of online marketing here at Absolutely.

4. What did you study, if anything?
I studied Communication Science at the University of Groningen, majoring in New Media. It’s funny to think that I learned how to do e-mail in my freshman year there. I did an internship with a production company in Hilversum. Later, I spent some time in the television world. So now, I’ve come full circle!

5. What do you do in your spare time?
Basking in the sun! My greatest pleasure in life is lounging by the water in the warm sun with a good book and a glass of wine. That’s not always easy in Holland. I love having a meal with friends or going out for a drink together. I always try making something special, so I’m really into cookery books.
The flip side is that you need to make a greater effort to stay in shape. That’s why you can often find me at the gym, but I can’t really call it my favorite hobby.

6. What (or who) is your passion in life?
Of course l put my little daughter in first place. It’s so wonderful to see someone so small discover the world. She has such a different point of view from the way the ‘grown-ups’ see the world. I also love to travel and going as far as possible. Five years ago, my boyfriend and I traveled across South-America for six months. That felt so liberating. Now, Asia and Africa are at the top of my list.

7. What do you like best about your job at Absolutely Independent?
I love the passion everyone puts into their work. It’s wonderful to feel all that energy under one roof. I can’t wait to get into the swing of things completely. And I love being back in Amsterdam, the city I so adore!