Future Game Changers | Keiran Koekenbier

Keiran Koekenbier

My name is Keiran Koekenbier, and I am currently a fourth-year student at Hotelschool Maastricht, following the Food Service track. I have completed the minors New Business Development and Gastronomic Experiences, as my main interest lies within the food industry.

I come from an international background that has strongly shaped who I am today. My father, who graduated from HMSM in 1985, built his career abroad and eventually settled in the Philippines, where I was born and raised with my Filipino mother. At the age of 17, I moved to the Netherlands independently to begin my journey at HMSM. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone early on and helped me develop independence, adaptability, and a strong drive for continuous growth.

Keiran's experience

Throughout my time at HMSM, I have actively sought out opportunities that challenged me and accelerated my development. I completed my operational internship at Dusit Thani Manila, a five-star hotel in the financial district of the Philippines. Working in such a high-level and fast-paced environment taught me the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and consistency in delivering high-quality service.

Furthermore, completing the minors New Business Development and Gastronomic Experiences strengthened both my entrepreneurial mindset and my creativity within food and beverage. Currently, I am working on my consultancy project, where my team and I are developing an investment plan for a hotel in The Gambia. Spending two weeks on-site in an entirely different environment made the experience both challenging and highly valuable, as it required adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving.

At the same time, I took on a recruitment role as an ambassador for my Community Involvement Project, supporting open days, school fairs, and campus tours. This strengthened my communication skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences, while reinforcing my pride in representing HMSM.

Through these experiences, I have developed skills that go beyond theory. HMSM has taught me how to reflect critically, work effectively in diverse teams, and continuously improve myself. This has made me more self-aware and resilient, while also sharpening my interpersonal skills.

Keiran's values

The HMSM value that resonates most with me is Courage – we act. For me, courage means stepping into the unknown and choosing growth over comfort. A clear example of this was moving to the Netherlands alone at a young age, followed by placing myself in unfamiliar environments such as working in the Philippines and conducting consultancy work in The Gambia. Each of these experiences required me to take initiative, adapt quickly, and remain open to learning.

Keiran's ambition

Looking ahead, my main ambition is to return to the Philippines and successfully run my family’s meat processing business. I aim to build a company that combines strong operational foundations with innovation and consistent quality.

HMSM has played an important role in preparing me for this path. The combination of practical experience, academic structure, and continuous feedback creates an environment where you are constantly challenged to grow. The lecturers, facilities, and strong international network provide valuable support, while still encouraging independence and initiative. This balance has helped me develop both professionally and personally.

In 10 years, I see myself leading and expanding the family business, focusing on growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. At the same time, I want to continue learning, as I believe that staying open to new ideas is essential in a constantly changing industry.
I hope to contribute to the hospitality and business world by bringing a fresh and entrepreneurial perspective to the food industry. I would also like to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and take ownership of their growth, just as I have learned to do throughout my journey.

Keiran's tips

My tips would be to actively seek out opportunities, especially when they feel challenging or unfamiliar. Be curious and take initiative when you come across something interesting. At the same time, stay open to what’s around you and make the most of new experiences as they come.