The Story of ETS – Executive Transportation Service
The story of ETS – Executive Transportation Service begins with its founder, Bart van Leijden. What started as a one-man business has evolved over more than three decades into a leading family-owned chauffeur company with offices in the Netherlands and Belgium, a trusted partner network spanning 52 countries, and hundreds of chauffeur services delivered worldwide every week.
Today, the company is led by Bart's sons, Nick van Leijden and John van Leijden, who have been part of the business for more than 15 and 10 years respectively. As Managing Directors, they continue to build upon the values on which ETS was founded: exceptional service, reliability, discretion, and a genuine commitment to every client.
These values have been embedded in the company from the very beginning. At ETS, attention to detail is considered essential. Clients are proactively informed of any operational changes, such as a chauffeur replacement, because clear communication and consistency are fundamental to delivering a seamless travel experience. This client-first philosophy has shaped the company for over 30 years.
Bart van Leijden founded ETS in 1995 after working as a taxi driver for two years. While he enjoyed driving professionally, he recognised an opportunity to provide a far more refined and personalised transportation service for business travellers and VIP clients.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, Bart travelled to Las Vegas and London to study the highest international standards within the luxury chauffeur industry. Inspired by these experiences, he invested in his first Mercedes-Benz E-Class and began providing executive transportation throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. This marked the foundation of ETS.
The company was built through dedication, perseverance, and an uncompromising focus on quality. Bart actively introduced ETS to businesses across the Netherlands, confidently presenting the company as a premium transportation provider capable of delivering service beyond expectations.
A significant milestone was reached when ETS was entrusted with providing transportation for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs during official visits involving the Royal Family. Shortly thereafter, Bart had the privilege of chauffeuring former United States President Bill Clinton, an assignment that significantly strengthened the company's international reputation and opened new opportunities throughout the United States.
Following both the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS further diversified its services and expanded its international presence. Today, multinational corporations, government organisations, private clients, family offices, travel management companies, and global chauffeur networks rely on ETS for premium chauffeur services throughout the Benelux, across Europe, and around the world through its trusted affiliate network.
Under the leadership of the second generation, ETS continues to invest in sustainable growth, operational excellence, and an increasingly environmentally friendly fleet. While the company continues to expand internationally, one principle remains unchanged: delivering a truly personal service.
Personal relationships with clients remain the cornerstone of the organisation. By understanding every client's individual expectations and requirements, ETS consistently delivers transportation that is comfortable, efficient, discreet, and reliable. Every journey is carefully managed with one objective in mind: ensuring that every passenger arrives relaxed, confident, and exceptionally well cared for.
ETS has never aspired to become the largest chauffeur company. Its ambition has always been to be recognised as one of the very best.
