Maurice de Hond obtained a human geography degree from the University of Amsterdam in 1971 before embarking on a multifaceted career spanning market research, internet investment, and polling. Based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he has occupied roles as an entrepreneur, association football referee, and statistician while maintaining a public presence through various high-profile business ventures.
Market Research and Consultancy
After serving as a project leader for Interview-NSS in 1973, De Hond co-founded the market research firm Cebeon with Hedy d'Ancona in 1975. He left that organization in 1980 to return to Interview-NSS as a director, serving in that capacity and later as a commissioner until 1999. During the mid-1980s, he branched into consultancy for companies such as ITT and Wegener. Additionally, he managed the computer department Microcomputer Club Nederland for the Vroom & Dreesmann department store and the Dixons electricals chain, both owned by Vendex.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Internet Startups and Polling
In 1998, De Hond co-founded the internet startup Newconomy. The company achieved a stock exchange listing in 2000, reaching a market capitalization of €400 million, although the firm later suffered a significant decline in value. Following his resignation from the leadership position at Newconomy, he established the website Peil.nl, which serves as the primary platform for his current polling operations.
Educational Initiatives
De Hond founded the Steve JobsSchool, an elementary education model that provided individual iPads to students to foster customized learning. By 2016, the model had been adopted by 35 public schools in the Netherlands, with two additional locations opening in South Africa during that same year. However, the initiative faced scrutiny after government educational inspectors issued a report claiming that graduates of these schools lacked essential academic skills. Consequently, the foundation managing these schools declared bankruptcy in 2018, leading to their closure.
Deventer Murder Case Involvement
Beginning in 2005, De Hond campaigned for the reopening of a murder case in Deventer. He publicly argued that tax advisor Ernest Louwes had been wrongly convicted and alleged that Michaël de Jong was the perpetrator. Following his private investigation, public prosecutors concluded there were no grounds to reopen the case. De Jong subsequently filed a lawsuit against De Hond for his public accusations. The court ruled in favor of De Jong, ordering De Hond to pay damages exceeding €100,000 to De Jong and his partner.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947
- Place of Birth: Amsterdam
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Education: University of Amsterdam
- Key Ventures: Cebeon, Newconomy, Peil.nl, Steve JobsSchool
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the Steve JobsSchool project?
The schools closed in 2018 after declaring bankruptcy following negative government inspection reports regarding student performance.
Why was Maurice de Hond forced to pay damages in the Deventer case?
A court found him at fault for persisting in allegations against Michaël de Jong after the legal case was officially closed.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Amsterdam
.jpg)