Conclusion Bridges Strategy and Execution Gap with Launch of Dedicated Consultancy Division
Utrecht, Tuesday 27 January 2026
Led by former FC Utrecht director Thijs Otto van Es, Conclusion’s new consultancy arm aims to solve the ‘strategy-execution gap’ by leveraging its ecosystem of over 30 specialist technical companies.
Bridging the Strategic Disconnect
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital economy, a significant friction point often remains between high-level strategic intent and the technical reality of implementation. Addressing this disconnect, Conclusion has officially launched Conclusion Strategies, a new entity operational as of 26 January 2026 [1]. The division is explicitly designed to assist boardrooms in not only defining their future vision but, crucially, ensuring its practical realisation [1]. By positioning itself at the intersection of business transformation and IT services, the firm aims to guide organisations through complex decision-making processes while guaranteeing that these choices are technically feasible and effectively executed [1].
Leadership and Expertise
At the helm of this new venture is Thijs Otto van Es, who assumed the role of Managing Director on 1 January 2026 [1]. Van Es brings over 25 years of experience in strategy development and implementation to the post, a background essential for navigating the nuances of organisational change [1]. His leadership portfolio is diverse; prior to this appointment, he served as the Managing Director of the Dutch football club FC Utrecht for seven years and was a co-owner of the consultancy firm House of Performance, which is now known as Highberg [1]. Van Es argues that strategy remains merely an “intention” without proper execution, noting that modern executives require clear pathways to achieve their goals rather than just abstract destinations [1].
Leveraging a Pan-European Ecosystem
The operational model of Conclusion Strategies relies heavily on the broader capabilities of the Conclusion group. Rather than operating in a silo, the new consultancy draws upon the expertise of over 30 specialist companies within the Conclusion ecosystem to implement the strategies it advises on [1]. This structure allows the firm to offer end-to-end support, bridging the gap between the initial decision-making phase in the boardroom and the technical implementation of complex digital systems [1]. Geographically, the initiative marks a significant footprint for the Utrecht-based provider. The consultancy operates at a European level, explicitly targeting organisations across the Benelux, DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), and Iberia regions [1]. To support these markets, the firm utilises a mix of near-shore and offshore resources situated in Portugal, Spain, and South Africa, ensuring scalability for large-scale transformations [1].
Strategic Horizon 2030
This launch is not merely a service expansion but a core component of Conclusion’s own long-term roadmap. Engbert Verkoren, CEO of Conclusion, describes the move as a “practice what we preach” approach, applying the same strategy-to-execution philosophy to the group’s own trajectory towards 2030 [1]. By positioning itself at the “front end” of the strategic process, Conclusion aims to secure deeper engagement with clients, moving beyond the role of a traditional IT implementer to that of a holistic business transformation partner [1]. As of 26 January 2026, the new division is actively focusing on both existing and new clients requiring acceleration in complex transformations [1].