Rainier Beelen is the founder and managing partner of Career Openers Executive Search, a firm specializing in executive search assignment for C-level executives for mid-market organizations and C-level ‘minus one’ roles for corporates. With over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership development, Rainier has established Career Openers Executive as a trusted name in the industry.
Rainier earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Tilburg University in the Netherlands and began his career in Human Resources at Royal BAM Group (an international construction firm). Since founding Career Openers Executive Search, Rainier has been driven by the belief that a sustainable and meaningful connection between a candidate and a company always starts with resolute sincerity and essential depth, both towards the client and the candidate. By looking beyond the surface and focusing on business challenges, team dynamics, and the authentic aspirations of candidates, Rainier contributes to leadership that strengthens organizations in a lasting way.
Career Openers Executive Search distinguishes itself through its ability to delve deeper, addressing not just the immediate hiring need but also the broader business context, team dynamics, and ambitions of both candidates and organizations. This approach has helped enhance leadership teams and consistently sets the firm apart in the eyes of clients and candidates. Career Openers Executive Search collaborates with private equity firms (for their portfolio companies), owner-led and family businesses, as well as corporates. Rainier primarily focuses on key roles such as CEO, CCO, Chief People Officer, and members of the Supervisory Board.
Rainier’s expertise also includes providing second opinions on in-house candidates and delivering executive interview training for private equity partners. Each day, the Career Openers team is inspired by the exceptional mid-market organizations and corporates in the Netherlands. It remains a privilege for Rainier to advise these businesses and contribute to their continued success.
Outside of work, Rainier enjoys spending time with family and friends and is a very average golfer and a highly enthusiastic (but equally average) padel player.