Iris van Baarsen has been a Senior Executive Advisor with Friedrichs & Partner / Kestria Germany since 2026. She brings more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources Management, including 15 years in leadership positions, combined with extensive expertise gained in large corporations, mid-sized companies and technology-driven start-ups. Her Executive Search focus is on leadership and key positions across STEM-driven industries, as well as the consulting and audit sectors.
As an experienced HR executive and Executive Coach, Iris combines a deep understanding of organisations and leadership with a strong ability to recognise people’s individual strengths and potential. Her understanding of the demands placed on senior leaders goes well beyond the perspective of Executive Search: she has many years of first-hand experience advising senior management and executive boards.
Prior to joining Friedrichs & Partner / Kestria Germany, Iris spent 12 years with KPMG, most recently as Head of HR Infrastructure. In this role, she advised board members and partners on strategic HR matters and supported major transformation and change initiatives.
For more than ten years, Iris has also worked as an entrepreneur and Business Coach. A graduate in Business Administration and a qualified Systemic Coach and Agile Change Master, she has supported organisations in developing a shared leadership philosophy, establishing new career paths and driving cultural transformation in the context of New Work. Throughout her work, she places particular emphasis on supporting leaders in their professional and personal development.
Her approach to Executive Search goes beyond identifying the right qualifications. She seeks leaders who combine professional excellence with the right cultural fit and the ability to create sustainable impact.
Her conviction is simple: Leaders make the greatest impact when they are where they truly belong.
