Besso, a Swiss startup specializing in simplifying global trade compliance through Artificial Intelligence (AI), announced the appointment of Michiel Kalverkamp as Chief Customer Officer. Kalverkamp joins Besso after a successful tenure at Amazon, where he served as the Head of Global Trade Services for EMEA, and GE, where he served as Customs Leader EU/RCIS. During his time with the e-commerce giant, Michiel Kalverkamp built and led the EMEA trade compliance team that oversaw operations for Amazon’s and third-party Imports/Exports.

“(Kalverkamp’s) experience and dedication to customer satisfaction will be instrumental as we work to unlock hidden savings for our clients and help them navigate the intricacies of trade compliance,” said Philip Sieber-Gasser, founder and CEO of Besso. “With the addition of Michiel to the team, Besso now has a collective track record of delivering over USD 240 million in recurring duty savings over 36 projects across previous roles, which Besso is leveraging for its client offering. With Michiel heading up our customer support efforts, we will be better equipped to meet our clients’ needs and foster lasting partnerships.”

This appointment strengthens Besso’s core team of repeat entrepreneurs, trade compliance veterans, expert trade lawyers, and top tech talent and brings invaluable experience in global trade compliance and cross-border operations.

In his new role at Besso, Kalverkamp will focus on enhancing customer relationships and ensuring that Besso’s innovative solutions meet the evolving needs of businesses navigating complex trade regulations. His proven track record of opening trade lanes, boosting regional trade growth, optimizing duty spend and successfully navigating trade challenges makes him a valuable addition to the team.

“Besso’s AI-driven approach not only simplifies compliance but also unlocks opportunities for growth and cost optimization,” said Kalverkamp. “I look forward to working closely with our clients to help them navigate these challenges and maximize their trade potential.”

Since its founding in 2023, Besso has rapidly established itself as a leader in trade compliance solutions, leveraging AI to provide a comprehensive view of regulations and covering 2.5 times more free trade agreements (FTAs) than competitors. The company’s collaboration with leading academic institutions, including the Center for Trade and Economic Integration (CTEI) at the Geneva Graduate Institute, the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern, and the Interactive Visualization & Intelligence Augmentation (IVIA) Lab at the ETH Zurich, reinforces its commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.

Kalverkamp’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Besso, as the company aims to expand its market presence and further develop its AI-driven compliance solutions. By combining deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technology, Besso continues to empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth and operational efficiency.