‘I’m going to put a lot of energy into digitalisation. Technological innovations and effective European cooperation can strengthen our society and economy. At the same time, we need to do everything we can to combat or minimise threats. Democracy, security and fundamental rights lie at the heart of our society. We must provide for clear rules and oversight when these values are are under threat. I want to work – on the basis of equality – with and for the Caribbean parts of our Kingdom on the important issues at hand. I look forward to meeting with residents and officials of the islands as soon as possible.’
Born on 21 July 1968 in Leiden, married
Party: Democrats ’66 (D66)
1986
Completed secondary education, De Vlietschans, Leiden
1992
Public administration, Leiden University and Erasmus University Rotterdam
1993
Public finances for senior civil servants
1992
Various positions in the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment
1997
Director, Projectbureau Energie 2050 (a sustainable energy project)
2000-2010
Various positions in the Netherlands and abroad with energy company Essent
2010
Member of Rotterdam municipal executive responsible for sustainability, city centre and outdoor spaces
2014
Managing director of Amsterdam’s public transport company GVB
29 January 2020 – 10 January 2022
State Secretary for Benefits and Customs in the third Rutte government
10 January 2022
Appointed Minister for Digitalisation in the fourth Rutte government
2015-2019
Chair, national fundraising committee, D66
2019
Member of the Senate for D66, with responsibility for economic affairs and climate policy, care and taxation
1995-2012
Supervisory board member and other supervisory positions including:
Brabant Orchestra
the Van Neynsel nursing home group
the municipal utility company of the German city of Bremen
2014-2020
As director of Amsterdam’s public transport company GVB: member of the policy board of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the rail sector knowledge platform Railforum and the National Public Transport Consultation Committee
2017-2019
Chair, supervisory board, Health and Care Sector Guarantee Fund
2018-2019
Chair, supervisory board, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven
2018-2019
Member of the transport and mobility roundtable for negotiations on the National Climate Agreement