Dr. Van der Elst has more than thirty-five years of experience, which includes forensic finance in domestic and international arbitrations (ICC, ICSD), valuations, financial fraud, contract disputes, business and consequential losses, and economic and loss of earnings claims, as well as matters involving financial conflict or anticipated litigation. He has significant experience in the financial services and construction sectors, leading economic analysis and market research projects in developing countries. His track record of negotiating pre-litigation settlements outside of the formal mediation process has helped deliver significant value to clients.
Dr. Van der Elst has experience in structuring and financing successful public–private partnerships, trade agreements, implementing financial and commercial risk management policies, international trade and transfer pricing, free trade zone structures, and developing shared services centers. He has led strategic planning initiatives including developing and implementing business renewal plans for a pharmaceutical company.
Dr. Van der Elst has led teams responsible for multiple benchmarking projects, including supply chain logistics and brand and business development redesigns for multinational pharmaceutical, beverage, and tobacco companies. As a CFO in the packaging industry, he gained experience in supervising finance, treasury, internal audit and information technology, management accounting, tax planning, developing and executing financial structures, transfer pricing, and creating and implementing sales support finance solutions.
Dr. Van der Elst holds a doctorate (summa cum laude) in international economics and business from Florida Institute of Technology. He holds a master’s degree in economics and finance from University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he was a lecturer in the faculty of economic sciences before completing the SEP program at Columbia University.
His previous roles have included treasurer, finance director, CFO, general manager, and chairman/executive director. He founded a financial forensic services firm and joined BRG in 2016. He continues to teach as a visiting lecturer on economics and finance at international universities.
Dr. Van der Elst is a licensed member of American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI), American Bar Association (ABA), Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (DBRF), and Florida Council for Public Private Partnerships (FCP3).
Employment History
TAS Forensic Services
2009 – 2016
Grahams Pharmaceuticals
Managing and executive director
2006 – 2008
Business Sculptors Management Consultants
Partner and director
2003 – 2006
Coca-Cola Sabco
Group manager
2001 – 2003
Dar es Salaam Tanzania
General manager
1999 – 2000
RJ Reynolds Russia
CFO
1998
Int. Distillers & Vinters
Finance and commercial director
1996 – 1997
Tetra Pak Russia
Director of finance
1994 – 1996
Tetra Laval
Director of finance, Russia
1993 – 1994
Manager of product and trade
1992 – 1993
Manager of international leasing
1992
Financial projects manager
1990 – 1991
