From Hotelschool to Director Australia

Jip's story isn’t just about switching countries, it’s about choosing momentum over comfort.

After graduating from the Hotelschool in Amsterdam, Jip kicked off her career in hotel development and brokerage, quickly realizing: if you want something different, you have to move differently.

What started with a few deals in the Netherlands soon turned into international experience in Madrid, London and eventually, a one-way ticket to Sydney. “We said: let’s just look around and see what happens,” she says. Two weeks later, she had a job offer.

Now as Director Development & Investments Australia for Frasers Hospitality, she leads hotel strategy, acquisitions and the rollout of built-to-rent concepts across the country. Think premium apartment buildings with everything from rooftop wine bars and reformer Pilates studios to cinemas and coworking spaces. “It’s not just about cutting costs,” Jip explains. “It’s about building smart, adding value and seeing what’s possible on every square metre.”

That mindset was shaped by lessons she picked up along the way.“At CBRE and JLL, I learned the power of sharp data analysis and strategic stakeholder management. Essential when you’re dealing with complex deals involving multiple parties,” she says. “I learned how to spot opportunities before they hit the market, build trust with investors and move fast without compromising the quality of advice.”

Later at Elanor, a private equity-driven platform, Jip honed her commercial edge even further. “That was where I really learned to weigh risk, focus on value creation and think like an owner.”

She brings that same mix of analytical thinking, commercial sharpness and ownership mentality to her current role. “It helps me close better deals, identify value faster and confidently steer our growth strategy in Australia.”

But the ride hasn’t always been smooth.

Early on she felt the gender imbalance in the Dutch capital markets scene. “As a young woman, I was often dismissed, not for lack of knowledge, but simply because I didn’t look like the typical guy in the room.” In Australia, she found a different kind of challenge: corporate cultures where men and women were educated separately, and weren’t used to working together. “People didn’t always know how to deal with a woman who had an opinion. But if you stay quiet, nothing changes.”

Jip chose to keep showing up. In every new role, she claimed space, asked questions and backed herself.

Balancing a demanding career with motherhood has shifted how she works.“Motherhood has made me sharper. I work with more focus, I’m less easily distracted and I make choices that truly move the needle,” she says. “And I’m lucky, I have a partner who’s just as involved in our family as I am. We split the responsibilities and support each other fully. That makes it possible for me to show up in my career with conviction.”

Building a network in a new country required a proactive mindset.“Coffee, lunch, dinner, I simply reached out to people and got into conversation. I’ve always been direct and transparent, and surprisingly, that works really well here. Especially in industries that can be a bit reserved, being honest and solution-oriented really helps you stand out. That’s how I built strong, trust-based relationships.”

If she could do it all over again, would she change anything?

“Honestly, no. I’m exactly where I want to be,” she says. “I’ve built a career I’m proud of in international hospitality and real estate. I have two beautiful kids and a partner who shares the load with me. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth,  the Northern Beaches in Sydney. It’s the perfect place to raise a family, enjoy life and spend quality time together.”

And she’s not done dreaming. Asia, the Middle East, another chapter? Who knows. But one thing’s certain: standing still was never part of the plan.

Inspired by Jip? Connect with women like her at WIRED. Because real estate needs more stories like this.