PMF partners
Pythagoras Music Fund consists of five partners and founders, all have different contributions to the company. Find out more about the partners and their previous working experience below.
Hein van der ree
Hein became managing director of Phonogram Records in the late eighties, working with artists such as Dire Straits, Def Leppard, INXS, Metallica and Elton John. Between 1995 and 2010, he was MD of Epitaph Europe, located in Amsterdam. Epitaph/ Anti is an influential independent label with artists such as Architects, Falling In Reverse, Offspring, Rancid , Bad Religion, Tom Waits and Andy Shauf. Buma/Stemra appointed Hein as CEO in 2010. In 2013 he became Chairman of FastTrack, the technology provider for CISAC, based in Paris. In 2016, Hein joined Brett Gurewitz and Lionel Conway as a partner in Mothership Music Publishing.
michiel boere
At Pythagoras, Michiel is responsible for the finances of the fund. He started his career at the Dutch private and merchant bank Van Lanschot Kempen N.V. at their Amsterdam and Zurich branches.
Michiel is a CFA Charterholder and holds a Master in Science degree in Monetary Economics from the University of Amsterdam.
John EWBANK
John has been one of the most renowned producer-songwriters in the Netherlands for 30 years, with over 60 chart entries and over 20 number 1 hits. He has worked with artists and other songwriters all over the world. In addition to his musical creativity, he has successfully founded and invested in various live entertainment companies. John’s experience in both the music industry and entrepreneurship makes him a very valuable asset to Pythagoras Music Fund.
ROB HENDRIKS
Rob Hendriks has more than 30 years of experience in the (international) Contracting, Corporate, M&A, and Private Equity business as a lawyer and partner of (international) law firms. Rob is very active in the M&A, PE and Investment Funds market and he did a number of large and important deals that have frequently appeared in the (inter)national press. Rob studied Corporate Law and Tax law. Rob is recommended in the legal press as a leading lawyer, highly regarded for the Netherlands. Clients refer to Rob as a ‘deeply knowledgeable, strong negotiator’. Rob also has a background in the Music Business. Before Rob started his career as a lawyer he was a professional musician.
John Brands
John Brands started off his carrier in the music business as a singer/guitarist in famous Dutch band ZEN. He then joined the Strengholt Music Group as a junior music publisher to later become their General Manager. After some 15 years at Strengholt, he moved to London to become MD for MCA ( now called Universal) Music in the UK; also responsible for the whole of continental Europe. While in London he sat on the boards of the PRS, the MCPS and the MPA. In 2000, back in Holland, he started his own publishing company Brands Music.
notable partners
MARCEL STOLK
(advisory board)
Marcel is a vastly experienced C-level business leader with a very successful record devising/ executing strategy at top-level to launch products across multiple channels, win market share and improve sales; boosting $multimillion profits for a blue-chip company internationally. He also has a record of building world-class teams and influential customer/partner relations across all levels and cultures.
RICHARD BRUENS
(advisory board)
Richard is a seasoned professional in the financial sector. He began his career at ABN AMRO, where he served as Managing Director of Private Banking International, overseeing global private banking. Since joining Van Lanschot Kempen in 2013, Richard has held key leadership roles, including Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Board member. His deep expertise makes him a valuable leader at Van Lanschot Kempen.
NIELS TEVES
(advisory board)
Niels worked in the Research and Development department of MeesPierson N.V. in Amsterdam. In 1996 MeesPierson Communications (MPC) was formed and Niels was part of the expansion of their Talent unit and created and developed new areas of business such as music publishing and audiovisual rights. As Co-Owner and Co-CEO of Fintage House, Niels oversees the Music and Talent departments.