Next50: A little less
Management Scope lists the 50 most prominent ‘newcomers’ in the supervisory world in the Next50. A ‘returner’ heads the Next50 this year. Compared to last year, the list has seventeen new names. It is striking (or perhaps disturbing) that the number of women in the list has decreased, and that the list has less people of colour than in previous years. Young people are also far from overrepresented. We wonder if this could have been different.
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‘Not Just Attention in Governance for those who have the Loudest Voice’
Sandra Berendsen took a break from the boardroom for a while. Her dairy farm called, and she found herself working with milking robots in the middle of the night. Now, she is back as a supervisory board member. Berendsen ranks first in this year’s Next50. She is a supervisory board member with a keen eye for the human aspect.
‘Creating space for real dialogue is at the basis of the advisory role’
In 2024, Else Bos stepped down as member of the supervisory board of De Nederlandsche Bank, to focus on positions on the supervisory boards of private companies. The newcomer in this year’s Next50 speaks about the dilemmas in the role as a member of a supervisory board and the functioning of supervisory boards.
Robert Otto (Achmea): 'I want to accelerate the growth of our international activities'
International growth is an important spearhead for Achmea. The cooperative insurer wants to enter new markets with online insurance, among other things. ‘We are at the forefront of digitalization in the Netherlands and see opportunities in other countries,’ says director Robert Otto.
Company secretaries are the guardians of behavioural risks
Underlying tensions and dominant members in the executive and/or supervisory board - company secretaries play an important role in the dynamics in the boardroom. 'Many large companies underestimate the consequences of undesirable behaviour in the boardroom,' was the message during a masterclass by The Board Practice.
How futureproof is your organization?
Which companies have a greater social value than financial value? To calculate this, we developed the AEX Futureproof Index over more than ten years.
'Board and supervisory board members really have to understand each other well’
Fleur Rieter, number seven in the Next50 2025, is member of both executive and supervisory boards.
Feeding 10 billion people sustainably: it is possible
A new report by Deloitte indicates that it is possible to feed almost 10 billion people by 2070 without putting irresponsible strain on the environment.
‘The company secretary is a facilitator, not a wet blanket'
Group company secretary of Prosus, Lynelle Bagwandeen, observes the approval of deals and strategic decisions. She is able to contribute to considered decision-making.
Dimitri de Vreeze (dsm-firmenich): ‘Blindly accepting assumptions is the biggest mistake you can make’
Once, Swiss Firmenich was Dimitri de Vreeze’s very first client at former DSM. For the CEO of today's dsm-firmenich, the merger now completes the circle. A conversation about the merger, De Vreezes own transformation as a leader, clear choices as the basis for strategic success and the belief that you should always question assumptions.
Peter Agnefjäll (Ahold Delhaize): ‘We need to navigate between interests’
Royal Ahold Delhaize is constantly confronted with conflicting interests from various stakeholder groups. Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Peter Agnefjäll, has a heartfelt interest in listening to everyone's concerns and criticism. ‘As a customer-focused company, you must cater to all your stakeholders to be successful.’
Activist Alert: In 2025, an increase in the likelihood of an activist campaign
Given the current turbulent conditions, an increase in activist interest in European companies seems highly probable, writes Charles Honée. Preventing and responding to activist approaches is not a science but an art and every interaction with investor activists has its own dynamics and requires a tailored response based on the situation.
Arjen Boersma and Hessel Dikkers: ‘We are truly dependent on one another to keep our trains running
The CIOs of NS (Dutch Railways) and ProRail rely on each other to keep the trains running. They therefore work intensively together, explain Hessel Dikkers (NS) and Arjen Boersma (ProRail). ‘We know that without data sharing and cooperation, no trains will run.’
Sander Dekker and Maarten Otto: ‘We should not allow ourselves to be overly distracted by The Hague'
The careers of Sander Dekker (Maasstad Hospital) and Maarten Otto (Alliander) are in the public sector and thereby at the heart of society. Decisions in 'The Hague' impact them as well, and in these turbulent times, both leaders are facing a significant societal undertaking.
The first 100 days as CSO of Ahold Delhaize
‘The tour through nine countries accelerated my onboarding,’ says Alex Holt about her first hundred days as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at Ahold Delhaize.
‘This award confirms that my way can also work’
George Tokaya (Philips) was named Young Captain 2024. While he values the recognition, he does not immediately see the award as an assignment for the future.
How Offshore Wind Farms can become Attractive Again
Vattenfall's director of market development NL offshore wind, Ireen Geerbex, expresses her concerns about the stagnating deployment of offshore wind energy.
Frans Everts: ‘The market demand is not there yet’
The President Director of Shell Netherlands knows where the solution to the energy transition can be found. ‘The real solution is in changing consumer demand.'
Pieter Hemels about Obama, Malala, Warren Edwards, and you
When we founded ftrprf, we had one single goal in mind: to make the world a little bit better tomorrow than it is today; a topic that evokes as much enthusiasm as resistance.
Top-100 Non-Executive Directors: the prelude to more renewal?
Dick Boer is once again the most influential non-executive director in the Netherlands, but he is now flanked by a new number two: Miriam van Dongen. The list seems to offer opportunities for future renewal – although the significant number of women dropping off the list is concerning, and the ranking remains not very diverse.
Jeroen Drost: ‘An Extensive Legislative does not Automatically Produce Superior Supervisors’
Appreciating that a company must play a sustainable and lasting role in society does not require codes or legislation, according to Jeroen Drost. He argues that more laws and rules only create a false sense of security. ‘Addressing excesses is more a matter of enforcement.’
Frederik van der Schoot and Gerbrand ter Brugge: 'An Opportunity Might Come Only Once'
Mergers and acquisitions specialist Oaklins Netherlands – part of an international organization with offices in over 40 countries – is the new knowledge partner of Management Scope. (Managing) partners discuss trends in corporate finance and more.
Issues on the AGM's Agenda in 2025
Companies will be facing significant challenges in 2025. What items will be on the agenda of the shareholders' meeting next year? At a seminar for company secretaries, organized by Management Scope and A&O Shearman in cooperation with Computershare, the principal issues were discussed.
Resi Becker: 'I Find the Combination Between Executive and Supervisory Board Stimulating'
Resi Becker has been CEO of energy supplier Essent for almost three years. Previously, she held various executive roles at PostNL for an extended time. Now, she wants to use her insights as a supervisory board member. This has earned her a spot in our Top-100 Supervisory Board Members for the first time.
‘Making the Best Decision with the Knowledge at Hand’
What actions should leaders take now to ensure they can confidently say in ten years that they made the right choices? Jumbo’s CEO shares his approach.
‘I Am Becoming More Outspoken in my role as Company Secretary’
The role of the company secretary is changing. Randstad's company secretary Jelle Miedema is fulfilling this role more proactively.
The world is not fully controllable, but public-private collaboration is
Johan Kerver, a management team member of evofenedex, on the three principles underpinning a successful new-style public-private partnership.
About the birds, the bees, and doing futureproof business
Pieter Hemels (ftrprf) had the privilege of opening the CETAF meeting in Madrid. He noticed the atmosphere changed when the substantive program started.
Ton Hillen (Heijmans): 'Rather overly Bold than Feeble Goals'
Ton Hillen, CEO of the Heijmans construction company, motivates people to action by formulating bold statements with his team.
Dustin Woodward: 'Focus on things that truly make a difference'
As President Europe of Royal FrieslandCampina, Dustin Woodward sees himself as the link between where the group is today and where it wants to go.
Safe use of AI in the Workplace: Guidelines are Essential
Deloitte advises Dutch companies to establish clear guidelines and policies regarding the use of GenAI in the workplace.
Acceleration asks effort by all parties
Hilde van der Baan and Gijs Linse of A&O Shearman see that entrepreneurs and business leaders are aware of their role in society. Now it comes down to pace.
‘Improvement is often simple’
CEO Ingrid Faber and multi-commissioner Jan Nooitgedagt share their views on public-private partnership and what is missing to make it successful.
Michael Reiziger (Jong Oranje): ‘Put the Team First, not Yourself’
Michael Reiziger: Leadership is about trust, collaboration, and executing a clear strategy to win.
Heleen Cocu-Wassink, Trudy Onland, and Mariëlle Vogt: 'We need to learn to experiment'
Heleen Cocu-Wassink, Trudy Onland and Mariëlle Vogt discuss the energy transition and industry challenges.
Hans Grünfeld and Frank Meens on industry sustainability
Hans Grünfeld (VEMW) and Frank Meens (Vattenfall) on how CO2 reduction barriers in the industry threaten climate goals and the tipping point they foresee.
Geerte Hesen (Ferrovial): 'Stable frameworks are crucial'
Geerte Hesen (Ferrovial) wants to do the right thing but sees the increasing number of laws and regulations as a significant challenge.
Netherlands Be Prepared: Trump’s choice is America First
Donald Trump is continuing the protectionist line of recent years. How can Dutch companies arm themselves against this?
Employee Well-being begins with Leader Well-being
According to Gielijn Arends, CEO of insurer elipsLife, leaders need to also foster their own well-being to achieve a more holistic approach.
Well-intentioned, but...
Pieter Hemels (ftrprf) wonders if all executives have the intention to leave the world a better place. Is ‘leaving the world a better place’ not often just a fortunate consequence or a compelling narrative?
The rise of the hybrid decision maker
Rudy Kuhn and Michiel Pieters (Celonis) explore three types of partnerships when AI is equipped with process knowledge for decision-making.
Marc van den Tweel (NOC*NSF): ‘Bottom line is the will to Excel’
The director at NOC*NSF is focused on building a strong sports culture that promotes positive change both within NOC*NSF and in the wider community.
Confronting the uncomfortable is a sensitive process
The transformation towards a sustainable, circular, and inclusive economy forces leaders to change course. Are we brave enough to make the necessary decisions?
‘Fortunately, I have not lost the ability to question myself’
An Lommers, head of risk and business assurance and corporate chief accountant at ASML, participated in Deloitte’s Women on Boards leadership program.
CFO Survey Deloitte: How to survive the CFO Triangle
Mohamed Bouker from Deloitte on the question every CFO should be asking themselves right now, plus four recommendations to find the right answer.
Pinar Abay (ING): ‘My Appointment Was a Bold Move for the Bank’
Pinar Abay, head of retail at ING, shook up the conservative banking world in Turkey. Now, she is based at the headquarters in Amsterdam.
Ronald Paul and Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi: ‘Do Not Nip Innovation in the Bud’
Ronald Paul (TNO) and Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi (Top Sector Logistics) note that the public-private cooperation meant to advance the logistics sector is stalling.
ESG Can Bridge the Gap Between Industry and Society
According to Hilde van der Baan and Gijs Linse (A&O Shearman) companies see ESG legislation as an opportunity to bridge the gap with society.
Pieter Hemels (ftrprf): 'Strategy Should Always be Future-Proof'
Ftrprf assists organizations to work on future-oriented transitions. Co-founder Pieter Hemels shares his thoughts on how companies can create impact.
Remuneration Policy: Vision Rather Than Box Ticking
Remuneration policies have, largely, become uniform, with companies keeping to the rules. This policy is questionable, writes Roel van der Weele (Deloitte).
Jan Rotmans: 'Without Faith in Progress, It Will Not Work'
The professor of transition studies advocates for less cynicism and negativity toward big companies, which are often perceived as bad actors.
Jeroen Smit on Fear and Courage
In his final column, Jeroen Smit writes that executives will have to lead the way in the great systemic transformation needed to make the economy sustainable, circular, and inclusive.
Hans Meeuwis (Cosun): 'We Attribute a Heroic Role to Plants'
The CEO of Cosun wants to get the most out of its crops, contributing to the food transition and a further improvement in the farmer's income potential.
‘ESG as a Bridge Between Industry and Society’
The leaders in this round table see ESG legislation as a huge opportunity to restore the broken trust with society, but they also agree that greater realism is required.
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