Erik completed his BSc in mechanical engineering in 1992 and worked for various companies in design and engineering in the (fine) mechanical industry. In 1998 he started his international career, executing projects in Romania and Czech Republic as project engineer.

In 2022 he joined Weir as system engineer. Since then Erik has been involved in the design and commissioning of PD pumps and slurry transportation and tailings systems. He worked on various tailings projects in India, China, Europe and Australia. In 2010 he started as product manager systems, where he was responsible for a dedicated team to sell, design and commission system solution projects. He completed his MBA on a Life Cycle Management review of tailings systems in 2015 and became globally responsible for PD pumps and  systems in 2016. In 2023 he assumed the position of Global Manager for Tailings & Backfill and became responsible for the global strategy and technical development of tailings systems. In that same year he started his PhD research on life cycle modelling for tailings systems.

Erik has published various papers and articles since 2014, specifically focussed on pump technology, as well as on changing the market perception and acceptance on thickened and paste tailings disposal.