Graduated in theatre studies at the University of Amsterdam, he worked as a theatre critic, dramaturg and artistic director from 1975 up to 1988. He then was head of the Theatreschool of Amsterdam for ten years and initiated and managed the yearly International Theatreschool Festival (ITS). Between 1998 and 2006 he was managing director of the Netherlands Fund for the Performing Arts. During one year he worked as press and cultural attaché in London.