profile paul sijben

With over 30 years of experience at the intersection of technology and business, I have worked across a variety of industries, including science, internet, telecom, cable companies, media, Android, and more recently, the energy transition. During this time, I have developed deep knowledge and a broad perspective, allowing me to create innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate technology and business.

My expertise lies in gathering a strong set of requirements and clarifying the commercial landscape. From this foundation, I generate solutions that directly contribute to business strategy and technological advancement.

I  get my energy from solving complex problems, spotting opportunities in the market, and converting ideas and visions into concrete plans. This is the work that gives me energy and in which my talents really come into their own.

In every project I am involved in, I act as the catalyst that transforms vision into a feasible reality. My unique combination of knowledge and experience enables me to switch quickly and convert complex issues into concrete, feasible plans

I bring a diverse set of talents that set me apart:

• Passion for knowledge: I combine my thirst for knowledge—both broad and deep—with a talent for creatively integrating insights. Abstract thinking and structuring complex information come naturally to me.
• Speed and efficiency: I work at a fast pace, which requires close collaboration with the client to stay aligned. Together, we set a clear goal on the horizon, and I work backward to determine how to achieve it. This results in a concrete plan that blends commercial and technical elements.
• Flexible approach: The outcome is not a rigid step-by-step plan, but a flexible framework with alternative routes and goals, allowing us to adapt to unforeseen challenges.
• Strong communication: My strength lies in listening to the client’s goals and asking critical questions to uncover the underlying intentions. With empathy and understanding, I build a solid foundation on which further plans can be developed.
• Active listening: I pay close attention to the people on the ground and ask open questions to fully understand all perspectives, avoiding premature conclusions.
• Sharp analytical skills: I quickly get to the core of complex issues, separating the essentials from the noise.
• Adaptability: I rapidly acclimate to new environments and learn the ropes of different industries in no time.
• Structure and clarity: I create order and transparency in situations that may initially seem overwhelming, ensuring an organized approach.
• Creative problem-solving: I devise solutions that are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing and innovative.
• Long- and short-term focus: I consider both immediate needs and future implications, tailoring solutions to changing circumstances.
• Collaboration and autonomy: I can work independently or as part of a team, taking into account the social and emotional dynamics of the project.

Career

March 2023 – Present: Itho Daalderop

End-to-End Architect (and temporary Product Owner) – Digital Organization

Itho Daalderop is traditionally known for its ventilation systems and close-in boilers. Nowadays, heat pumps are its primary product. To monitor these systems and provide an app for the market, a cloud platform was needed. I joined to elevate the cloud team to a higher level but contributed to professionalizing the entire chain.
I achieved this technically by ensuring there is a future-proof target architecture. On an organizational level, I helped align the involved teams and managed expectations with the device innovation teams. 

August 2020 – February 2023: ActiveVideo

End-to-End Architect – AppCloud

AppCloud was an innovative service that allowed Android apps to run in the cloud, enabling cable companies to offer these apps via existing set-top boxes.
My role was to support the transition of AppCloud from a demo to a product capable of serving millions of users. I acted as the technical conscience for development and prepared technical advancements while also being a sparring partner for business development and the operations team.

October 2015 – July 2020: Liberty Global

Tech Lead & Architect – Parental Control and Security
Tech Lead & Architect – WiFi Control Back-End
Architect – Customer Email Platform & Email Security Initiative

Liberty Global is the parent company of several cable providers across Europe. Following the acquisition of Ziggo, my work shifted to the new parent organization.
My role was to collaborate with product managers and project leaders, serving as the technical conscience for the project. Primarily, I ensured that the product team’s ideas were feasible and cost-effective. Once that was confirmed, I worked with external suppliers and internal DevOps teams to implement the technical solution.
In practice, I spent most of my time collaborating with product and project managers to fully understand the context. Once that was clear, the technical aspects became straightforward.

April 2012 – September 2015: Ziggo

Architect – Internet Services & Telephony

I joined Ziggo to work on two very different projects: a telephony app and a new customer email platform. My role was to act as the technical conscience for the project while collaborating with product managers and project leaders.
In both projects, I was involved in selecting suppliers, aligning the product with market needs, and planning the rollout.

October 2010 – April 2012: Bol.com

Infrastructure Architect

January 2008 – January 2010: Perzonae Unified Communications

Founder, General & Technical Director, CTO, and Chief Architect

Perzonae aimed to become the next Skype. I developed innovative ideas and new technologies. However, the ideas were ahead of their time, and the financial markets collapsed in the fall of 2008. As a result, the company never launched its vision and was closed-down in an orderly fashion.

April 2004 – End of 2010: EemValley Technology

Founder, Consultant, Architect, Designer

EemValley was founded with two main activities:

1. Developing an innovative communication platform.
2. Undertaking interesting consultancy projects to fund (1).
   
   

August 2002 – April 2004: PicoPoint

Chief Technology Officer, Chief Architect

I was responsible for strategy and vision development while leading R&D and operations.
This resulted in the first WiFi roaming platform in the Netherlands (and one of the first globally), connected to KPN Mobile and other smaller providers.

May 1997 – July 2002: Lucent Technologies (Bell Labs)

Distinguished Member of Technical Staff

I worked on R&D for new generations of communication, multimedia, and VoIP. This included developing strategies and business models for VoIP and contributing to its standardization within ETSI and IETF.