From 1981 to 1999 he worked for the Rabobank ultimately as chairman of the board of directors and from 15 March 1999 until 1 April 2006 he was chairman of the Social-Economic Council (Sociaal-Economische Raad, SER). From 2006 to 2008 he was the Dutch representative at the World Bank, succeeding Ad Melkert.
From 1981 to 1999 he held a position at Rabobank, ultimately as board of directors' chairman, and from 15 March 1999 until 1 April 2006 he served as chairman of the Social-Economic Council (SER). From 2006 to 2008 he represented the Netherlands at the World Bank, succeeding Ad Melkert.