Rob van Wingerden: ‘We want the code to become a source of inspiration again’
Rob van Wingerden, chairman of the new Corporate Governance Code Monitoring Committee, is concerned that directors and supervisory board members still tend to see the code as a box-ticking exercise. His committee aims to shift this perception to what the code has to offer. ‘Dive into it as a basis for a good discussion about corporate governance.'
Read more
Bas Brouns (KLM): ‘Our main aim is increasing the margin’
As CFO since April 2024, Bas Brouns is ultimately responsible for the finances of the Dutch airline. Brouns took his seat in the financial cockpit at a crucial moment. KLM needs to invest billions in fleet renewal, while profitability is lagging behind that of sister company Air France. But, ‘KLM seems not made for quick growth.’
Chantal Vergouw (KPN): ‘Still much to be gained with digital resilience’
's new knowledge partner in the areas of cybersecurity, digital resilience and chain digitization. Chantal Vergouw is responsible for the business market. She is optimistic but also realistic about the digital future of business. 'Through innovation and collaboration, we can continue to make progress.'
Industrial sustainability requires a differentiated approach
In the Netherlands, energy company Vattenfall focuses on the shift from fossil fuels to green electricity, utilizing various technologies to assist industrial companies in becoming more sustainable. The solution lies in a combination of flexible energy use and a differentiated approach, write Boudewijn Tjeertes and Maurice Vlek.
Collaboration between defense and industry: ‘Innovate and scale up’
The Ministry of Defense is facing an unprecedented scale-up. How is the organisation doing it, what are the challenges they face and what is the role of the business community? Sjoerd van der Smissen of Deloitte says: ‘The business community needs to take on its role.’ He speaks with Secretary General of Defense Maarten Schurink.
The CFO as strategic navigator in a new world order
The role of the CFO is more strategic than ever. However, that also brings opportunities, was the conclusion at the Deloitte CFO dinner.
Aart Rupert (Damen) on the battle between IT and craftsmanship
This 'Head of IT' sees creativity as essential for good performance. ‘IT people want to standardize everything, while I think it is okay to deviate from time to time.’
Living as if your life depends on it
In memoriam Daphne Prieckaerts. Daphne leaves behind, besides an enormous emptiness, an enormous wisdom. She formulated three rules for living. It's a new day. Shall we?
Those who are agile and collaborative stay relevant
Janine Tjassens, business unit leader of our new knowledge partner CGI Netherlands, sees agility and collaboration as the key to successful transformation processes.
Europe’s path to digital sovereignty
With the right balance, Europe can reap the benefits of GenAI without putting its digital sovereignty at risk, writes the AI & data partner Naser Bakhshi at Deloitte.
Willemien Terpstra (Gasunie): ‘Setting up new energy systems is the only way’
In 2025, hastening the energy transition is not only necessary to stop climate change. A green economy also strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy. Under the leadership of Willemien Terpstra, Gasunie is building a future energy system. 'We are at a tipping point: are we going to become more sustainable with or without industry? If industry does not come along, it will be disastrous for the Netherlands and Europe – for our earning capacity, our prosperity and our employment opportunities and especially for the environment.’
Alexander Zwart (Rabobank): ‘We will not settle for over complexity’
The banking world was a leader in the digital transition with internet banking and mobile banking. Now, to ensure the security and reliability of financial transactions, digital acceleration has become a top priority. Alexander Zwart ensures that the bank has the strength and flexibility to deal with technological changes.
Trading with the US remains possible despite turbulent times
Donald Trump's second term has begun with a barrage of rhetoric about import tariffs and trade barriers. What the changes to the United States' trade policy will be, is less clear. Marc ter Haar of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands discusses how Dutch companies that export to the US can deal with the uncertainty.
‘The Company Secretary plays a crucial role’
More than ever, the CoSec has a pivotal role within contemporary organizations and involved in effective governance. Under the leadership of Gert van der Houwen and Romy Blankenspoor, VDH Bestuurszaken has developed into an expert in the field of ‘good governance and effective management.’ They recently began assisting companies to recruit and select the right CoSec.
Jacques van den Broek: ‘Without a flourishing business community, we have a long-term problem’
The supervisory board member, still widely known as the former CEO of employment agency Randstad, is an optimist par excellence. But not when it comes to the Dutch business climate and the lack of strategic vision on the labor market. ‘The system has become bogged down.’
AEX Futureproof Index: A price tag that changes business forever
Pieter Hemels converted social and ecological values into rock-solid euros. That integral view of broad value says a lot about the long-term value of companies.
Interventions are needed for a resilient food chain
The way we currently produce, transport and consume food causes excessive greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Change is needed.
Let’s care
Every organization, every team, every CEO can learn from these invaluable health care heroes.These are the heroes who dedicate every minute, with both mind and heart, to saving your life.
From care to health
The healthcare sector is facing challenges, such as rising costs and staff shortages. It is important to accelerate the transition to a future-proof and resilient healthcare system.
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.
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.
‘Creating space for real dialogue is at the basis of the advisory role’
Else Bos, newcomer in this year’s Next50, speaks about the dilemmas members of supervisory boards face and about the functioning of supervisory boards.
‘Not Just Attention in Governance for those who have the Loudest Voice’
Sandra Berendsen took a break from the boardroom for a while. Now she ranks first in this year’s Next50.
Robert Otto (Achmea): 'I want to accelerate the growth of our international activities'
The Achmea director sees international growth as a spearhead and wants to enter new markets.
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’
The CEO of dsm-firmenich discusses the merger and the clear choices underpinning strategic success.
‘We need to navigate between interests’
Royal Ahold Delhaize is constantly confronted with conflicting interests from various stakeholder groups. Peter Agnefjäll wants to listen to everyone.
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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
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.
Jeroen Drost: ‘An Extensive Legislative does not Automatically Produce Superior Supervisors’
Jeroen Drost 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.
Michael Reiziger (Jong Oranje): ‘Put the Team First, not Yourself’
Michael Reiziger: Leadership is about trust, collaboration, and executing a clear strategy to win.
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?
Toon meer 
