Cloud Data Architect & Consultant

Transforming businesses through scalable data platforms and real-time analytics

Over 7 years of expertise in building enterprise-grade data solutions on Azure, specializing in event-driven architectures and compliance-ready systems.

Let's Build Something Amazing

Services

☁️

Cloud Data Platform Architecture

Design and implement scalable, event-driven data platforms on Azure. From real-time streaming to batch processing, I build systems that grow with your business.

  • Azure Functions & Event Hubs
  • CosmosDB & Databricks
  • Real-time analytics pipelines
  • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
⚡

Real-Time Data Engineering

Build lightning-fast data pipelines for fraud detection, personalization, and compliance. Sub-second processing times with enterprise reliability.

  • Event sourcing & streaming
  • Python-based data pipelines
  • PySpark distributed processing
  • Performance optimization
📊

Data Strategy & Leadership

Strategic guidance on AI, data governance, and team development. Bridge the gap between business objectives and technical implementation.

  • AI & data strategy development
  • Team mentoring & leadership
  • Self-service analytics enablement
  • Technology roadmapping
🔄

Data Platform Migration

Seamlessly migrate your data infrastructure to modern cloud platforms. Minimize downtime while maximizing performance and cost efficiency.

  • Legacy system modernization
  • Cloud migration strategies
  • Data pipeline optimization
  • Cost optimization
🛡️

Compliance & Governance

Ensure your data platform meets regulatory requirements. Expertise in financial services compliance, GDPR, and anti-money laundering systems.

  • Regulatory compliance (KOA, Wwft)
  • Data governance frameworks
  • Audit-ready architectures
  • Risk management systems
🎯

Consulting & Training

Empower your team with knowledge and best practices. From architecture reviews to hands-on training in modern data engineering.

  • Architecture assessments
  • Team training & workshops
  • Best practices implementation
  • Technology evaluation

About Me

I'm a passionate data leader with over 7 years of experience transforming businesses through innovative data solutions. Currently serving as Cloud Data Architect at Nederlandse Loterij, I specialize in building scalable, real-time data platforms that drive business value while ensuring regulatory compliance.

My expertise spans across iGaming, retail, e-commerce, and fintech industries, where I've successfully led teams, architected enterprise-grade solutions, and bridged the gap between complex technical requirements and business objectives.

I believe in empowering teams through mentorship, implementing best practices, and creating data platforms that not only solve today's challenges but scale for tomorrow's opportunities.

Hidde van Heijst

Case Studies

Real-world examples of how I've helped organizations transform their data capabilities and drive business value.

Nederlandse Loterij

Real-Time Data Platform for Gaming Compliance

Nederlandse Loterij • 2024

Challenge

Nederlandse Loterij needed a scalable, event-driven architecture to process tens of thousands of transactions per minute while maintaining sub-second processing times for fraud detection, responsible gaming, and anti-money laundering compliance.

Solution

  • Designed event-driven architecture with Azure Functions, Event Hubs and CosmosDB
  • Implemented real-time analytics using Azure Data Explorer (KQL)
  • Trained ML models on Databricks for real-time deployment
  • Created efficient aggregation techniques to reduce system load

Results

  • Sub-second processing for all sportsbook and casino transactions
  • 99.9% uptime during peak gaming events
  • 50% reduction in system load through optimized aggregations
  • Full compliance with KOA and Wwft regulations
Azure Functions Event Hubs CosmosDB Azure Data Explorer Databricks ML Event-Driven Architecture
Hallmark Benelux

AI-Powered Inventory Optimization Platform

Hallmark Benelux • 2018-2020

Challenge

Hallmark Benelux struggled with seasonal inventory management across multiple retail stores, leading to overstocking and stockouts during peak seasons like Valentine's Day and Christmas.

Solution

  • Built cloud-based data platform on Microsoft Azure
  • Developed Python-based recommendation engine
  • Implemented machine learning models for demand forecasting
  • Created self-service BI dashboards for store managers

Results

  • 25% reduction in inventory holding costs
  • 30% decrease in stockouts during peak seasons
  • 15% improvement in sales performance
  • Real-time insights for 200+ retail locations
Microsoft Azure Python ML Demand Forecasting Power BI Retail Analytics
Capgemini

Salesforce CDP Center of Expertise & Customer Data Strategy

Capgemini • 2017-2018

Challenge

Capgemini needed to establish expertise in emerging Customer Data Platform technologies to help enterprise clients unify customer data for personalization and marketing automation across multiple touchpoints.

Solution

  • Built Center of Expertise for Salesforce Customer Data Platform
  • Developed data engineering pipelines using Python and SQL
  • Delivered comprehensive training programs on CDP best practices
  • Created customer analytics solutions for personalization

Results

  • Strategic partnership with Salesforce on CDP technology
  • Center of Expertise established for customer data platforms
  • Multiple client implementations across retail and finance
  • Enhanced marketing ROI through unified customer data
Salesforce CDP Customer Data Platform Python & SQL Marketing Analytics Consulting
Stedin

Smart Grid EV Charging Optimization

Stedin • 2016

Challenge

Stedin needed to optimize electric vehicle charging infrastructure to reduce grid stress while maintaining efficient charging services as EV adoption accelerated across the Netherlands.

Solution

  • Researched demand-side management strategies
  • Designed valet charging algorithms for grid optimization
  • Developed predictive models for charging demand
  • Created sustainable EV infrastructure recommendations

Results

  • Grade 8.5/10 for research excellence
  • Media coverage for sustainable innovation
  • Reduced grid stress during peak hours
  • Scalable framework for nationwide deployment
Smart Grids EV Optimization Algorithm Design Sustainability Energy Management

Ready to discuss how I can help transform your data capabilities?

Let's Talk About Your Project

Experience & Background

Technical Expertise

☁️ Cloud Platforms

Azure, Azure Functions, CosmosDB, Event Hubs

⚡ Real-Time Architecture

Event sourcing, streaming ingestion, sub-second processing

🐍 Python Development

7+ years experience in data pipelines, ML, API integration

🏗️ Infrastructure

Terraform, CI/CD, PySpark, Databricks, SQL & KQL

Professional Journey

Nederlandse Loterij

Cloud Data Architect

Nederlandse Loterij • September 2024 – Present

Real-Time Platform
Built scalable, event-driven architecture using Azure Functions, Event Hubs, and CosmosDB
AI Strategy
Authored comprehensive strategy document on AI and data governance
Nederlandse Loterij

Lead Data Engineer & Platform Architect

Nederlandse Loterij • September 2020 – September 2024

Team Leadership
Led and mentored data engineering team, established best practices
Compliance Systems
Built KOA and Wwft compliant real-time fraud detection systems
Performance
Achieved sub-second processing for thousands of transactions per minute
Hallmark
Data Engineer

Hallmark Benelux • 2018-2020

Built cloud data platform on Azure, developed Python-based recommendation engine for retail optimization

Capgemini
Consultant & Data Engineer

Capgemini • 2017-2018

Salesforce CDP expertise, financial data analytics for ABN AMRO, Python & SQL pipeline development

🎓 Education

MSc Business Information Management

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

2015 - 2016

BSc Technology Management

University of Groningen

2010 - 2015

🏆 Key Certifications

  • ✓ Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
    Linux Foundation
  • ✓ Scrum PSPO I Certificate
    Scrum.org
  • ✓ Data Science in Python
    DataCamp
  • ✓ Salesforce DMP – Technical Track
    Salesforce, UK

Let's Work Together

Ready to transform your data platform?

Whether you need to build a new data platform from scratch, migrate to the cloud, or optimize your existing systems for performance and compliance, I'm here to help. Let's discuss how we can turn your data into a competitive advantage.

What to expect:

  • ✓ Free initial consultation to understand your needs
  • ✓ Detailed proposal with timeline and deliverables
  • ✓ Flexible engagement models (project-based or ongoing)
  • ✓ Direct access to 7+ years of data engineering expertise

Get In Touch

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/hiddevanheijst
GitHub:
github.com/HiddevH
Location:
Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands
Response Time:
Within 24 hours

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