Erick van der Maas
ADVISOR
Netherlands
As a long-term resident of Saipan and owner of a vast business empire, Erick brings a locally proven entrepreneurial spirit to the table, including a deep respect for local citizens hailing from many different heritages. These qualities of leadership, which he possesses in abundance, allow him to navigate opportunities and challenges in the Pacific Island realm. As an employer with circa 100 employees, Erick continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of Saipan’s local economy.
Professional Experience
In his capacity as owner of Marianas Business Plaza (MBS), Saipan’s premier commercial building, Erick has ensured that the entire building’s energy needs are covered by renewable energies: a 650 KVA Solar Farm. This makes MBS the largest recipient of green power in the Pacific. With a diverse team of partners, he also co-owns and operates the iconic “360 Revolving Restaurant” located at the top of the MBS building; an attraction for local residents and foreign visitors alike.
Furthermore, he has tapped into the economic potential of tourism for social and economic developments in the region. As a majority shareholder of Pacific SubSea Inc., the largest marine operator in Guam and CNMI, Erick operates a full fleet of marine vessels to support the tourism industry. This includes, among others, a full-serviced submarine, which has long been a mainstay of the tourist itinerary. Annually, hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors flock to Saipan Lagoon at Managaha Island off of Saipan.
External Appointments
Erick has held numerous directorship positions in the Pacific, including Taiwan and Mongolia. In the field of sustainable energy, he is the owner of Energy Efficient Systems Inc. and NetZero. In addition, he owns and operates Gobi Tushleg, driven by a team of experts working towards achieving the most environmentally responsible solutions for mineral mining in Mongolia. Erick also remains involved in co-organizing numerous charitable events to aid the local community and help improve the lives of the least advantaged citizens on the island.