Head of Communications at Built by Nature | The Netherlands

Karianne Kraaijestein is instrumenttal in directing the communications strategies and tactics consistent with Built by Nature’s commitment to transforming the built environment to work in unison with nature. Built by Nature is a network and grant-making fund accelerating the timber building transformation, aiming to change perceptions around timber construction and reshape the built environment system. It connects key actors across the built environment and forest communities to spark city-scale projects and amplify stories of ground-breaking timber and biobased projects and solutions. Karianne deploys a depth and breadth of experience across advertising, marketing, branding, and public relations functions in this mission. Much of her relevant background was gained through progressive positions in a major international advertising agency and as the sole proprietor of her own communications consultancy for over 13 years. As a team leader across several geographies and industries, Karianne has gained a well-earned reputation for her entrepreneurial spirit, strong management qualities, and solid business acumen. Most recently, her experience and expertise have been applied at the intersection of the built environment and sustainability, serving for two years as an interim marketing director and consultant in Amsterdam’s real estate sector. She has also played a vital leadership role in two regenerative and biodiversity-focused real estate projects in Portugal and Spain.