Geurt van Beuningen

Member of the aristocratic family Van Beuningen, he is known as one of the first directors of the Dutch East India Company and Mayor of Amsterdam.

Geurt began his career trading in dairy products. After the Dutch East India Company was established in 1602, Geurt eventually emerged as the largest shareholder in the company.

It is known that in 1623 he purchased the whole pepper stock shipped and on its way to Amsterdam which brought him a considerable profit. This example was later followed by other merchants.

During his life, he served as Lord Mayor of Amsterdam and member of the Amsterdam city council (vroedschap).