Johan Van Kooten joins AMPECO as Strategic Business Development Director Europe

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Johan Van Kooten as the new Strategic Business Development Director Europe at AMPECO. Johan brings over eight years of experience in e-mobility, a proven track record in successful business development, and a wealth of knowledge in EV charging solutions. His appointment underscores our dedication to addressing the evolving needs of the EV charging sector and our ambition to drive growth across Europe.

The road to AMPECO

Johan’s journey in e-mobility started by creating and further expanding a CPO and EMSP business in the Dutch market with a focus on B2B and B2B2C propositions at Fudura and GreenFlux, where he demonstrated his aptitude for developing effective business models and strategic market positioning.

Two years later, Johan joined the European sales team of Greenflux, taking on a key role in guiding their business development across Europe, where he refined his expertise in managing long SaaS sales cycles and deepened his skills in cultivating enduring customer relationships within the white-label EV charging sector. 

Johan’s next venture led him to Accenture, where he fulfilled the role of EV Charging Lead Europe. His consultancy work, with new market entrants and established players, covered all different use cases. Johan led comprehensive assessments of EV charging platforms, guiding clients through the intricate process of platform selection, support in shaping business models and strategies, and establishing rigorous criteria for these decisions. His expertise was further called upon in the complex arena of client migrations, demanding coordinated efforts between new and existing SaaS providers and the clients themselves, a process often navigated with the added layer of consultancy support.

During his tenure at Accenture, while evaluating leading EV charging management platforms in Europe, Johan first encountered AMPECO’s platform, leading him to his current role in our team. His rich background and diverse experience in the e-mobility sector make him a valuable addition to AMPECO and our mission to empower large-scale EV charging providers with innovative technology.

Strengthening AMPECO’s market presence in Western Europe

Johan has extensive expertise with the three critical elements needed for a thriving EV charging business: selecting the optimal EV charging management platform, defining a business plan, and formulating a strategic roadmap for growth and scalability. He perceives his role at AMPECO as more than selling a SaaS solution but being a partner in the entire process, which extends beyond software, encompassing guidance in hardware selection, accommodating EV charging use cases, and devising effective pricing strategies for clients and partners.

“Selling SaaS isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about providing a holistic solution,” Johan explains. He emphasizes the importance of consultative selling, which involves deeper client engagement. Johan believes in a relationship that extends far beyond the initial sale. “When we sell our platform, that’s merely the beginning of our journey with a client,” he states. This approach underlines the commitment to fostering long-term collaborations, ensuring that AMPECO and its clients continuously evolve and succeed together in the ever-changing landscape of EV charging.

Navigating challenges and seizing EV charging opportunities

Johan emphasizes the necessity for EV charging providers to distinguish themselves in such a competitive market. “It’s not enough to just offer B2B or B2C charging solutions. Charge point operators need to identify and capitalize on their differentiators,” he advises.

He observes a shift in the market, where operators with existing platforms, either built by themselves or provided via white-label platform providers, are re-evaluating their approach. Do we still need to continue developing our own platform while there are very well-developed third-party platforms available in the market and also, is the platform we selected a few years ago still the right platform to support us in scaling our business and owning our customer relationships? He highlights that comprehensive, turnkey solutions are initially attractive for convenience but often involve significant revenue-sharing models. “As businesses grow, the question becomes: Do you really want to keep giving away a portion of your revenue?” Johan queries.

He points out the critical decision operators face in managing customer relationships, emphasizing, “While all-in-one turnkey solutions are appealing at first, the rapid scaling of the business makes it imperative to keep direct customer connections.” He advises, “It’s vital to recognize the importance of owning these relationships and selecting a platform that offers full control over your business.” Johan’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the market’s dynamics and the strategic maneuvers necessary for charge point operators to thrive.

AMPECO’s comprehensive EV charging offering 

AMPECO’s strength lies in its robust offerings. “We provide a solid white-label platform and mobile app, capable of getting clients operational within two months,” Johan highlights. This efficient setup process is just the beginning of AMPECO’s comprehensive support. The platform’s integration with smart energy meters, enabling smart charging functionality, demonstrates AMPECO’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

Johan sees AMPECO as a partner for CPOs on their growth journey. “We’re not just offering a product but a scalable solution. Initially, CPOs might rely heavily on our services but can become more independent as they grow. This flexibility is vital,” he asserts. He encourages CPOs to consider the long-term adaptability of their partners, emphasizing the importance of future-proofing their operations.

Profitability, scalability, efficiency, and EV driver experience are important topics nowadays Johan elaborates, “We respect the profitability of our clients by not intervening in their revenue streams. Our platform’s ability to onboard chargers in bulk, extensive API integrations, combined with features like partner management and flexible tariff structures, speaks to its scalability and efficiency,” he elaborates. Lastly, he underscores the importance of a seamless EV driver experience, which is a critical aspect for all different use cases.

Johan is keen on steering specific projects and initiatives that align with these pillars, ensuring that AMPECO keeps pace with the evolving market and sets new standards in e-mobility services. Johan and Thomas Schneider, Business Development Manager DACH are well-positioned to make significant strides in Europe’s e-mobility sector under Glenn L’Heveder’s leadership as the Head of Business Development for Europe.