Taco Tuinstra
PROFILE
Accomplished global editorial leader and award-winning B2B journalist with 25+ years driving digital transformation, brand growth and high-performing international teams. Recognized for shaping content strategies that elevate engagement and credibility across print and digital platforms.
EXPERIENCE
Global editor-in-chief — 2Firsts
Shenzhen, China (February 2025—October 2025)
Led the global English-language expansion of a China-based B2B news platform, boosting its international editorial presence and reputation.
- Directed a geographically distributed team of international contributors, assigning projects to maximize expertise and maintain high editorial standards.
- Oversaw content strategy and quality, ensuring clarity, style consistency and alignment with brand voice through style guides and editorial processes.
- Cultivated partnerships with industry stakeholders, expanding content visibility and strengthening platform influence in B2B markets.
- Represented the platform at industry conferences across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, building credibility and global networks.
- Implemented content initiatives that enhanced audience engagement and positioned the platform as a trusted source for industry insights.
Editorial director/VP — TMA
Raleigh, NC, USA (1997—2024)
Advanced from junior assistant editor to VP/editorial director, leading global B2B editorial strategy and driving business growth.
- Transformed a niche trade journal into a leading global publication, boosting engagement, enabling premium advertising rates and earning international B2B editorial awards.
- Launched a new title in an emerging sector, expanding revenue streams and market reach.
- Directed editorial strategy for print and digital platforms, aligning content with business objectives.
- Built and led a high-performing, culturally diverse team, including top editors recruited from competing publications.
- Delivered original insights from reporting in 80+ countries, establishing the publication as a leading news source in B2B markets.
- Mentored junior editors, enabling them to advance to senior roles
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
Features Editor — Sandhills Living
Southern Pines, NC, USA (1995—1996)
Developed reporting, storytelling and deadline management skills.
- Conceived several feature concepts in the startup phase of a lifestyle publication, quickly establishing a brand with loyal readership
- Coordinated closely with sales department to maximize advertising revenue
Contributing Editor — KIJK Magazine
Haarlem, Netherlands (1993—1995)
Communicated complex scientific and engineering concepts to a broad audience for a Dutch general-interest magazine
- Developed a clear, engaging writing style suited to translating specialized material into understandable, credible content.
- One feature article selected for inclusion in a national high school textbook for its clarity and educational value
EDUCATION
BA in Journalism — Hogeschool Holland
Utrecht, Netherlands (1993)
Graduated with top academic honors
SKILLS
- Editorial strategy & content development
- Multi-platform publishing & digital transformation
- Global team leadership, talent recruitment & mentoring
- B2B market analysis, industry partnerships, audience engagement
LANGUAGES
- English (professional)
- Dutch (native)
- German (conversational)
- French (elementary)
- Mandarin (beginner)
AWARDS
- 2024 Bronze Tabbie award in editor’s column category
- 2009 Bronze Tabbie award in feature article category
- 2009 Silver Tabbie award in online feature category
- 2005 Gold Tabbie award in feature article category

