The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Australia (NCCA) is delighted to introduce our newly appointed Board, officially elected at the AGM on 13 November 2024. This team of accomplished professionals brings fresh perspectives, leadership, and a shared passion for fostering Dutch-Australian business relations.

Before we introduce our new Board, we would like to take a moment to recognise and express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members for their dedication and contributions.

 

Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members

We extend our sincere appreciation to Helene Hagemans, Rob van Veendendaal, and Maaike van Meer for their outstanding service to the NCCA.

• Helene Hagemans, outgoing President, has been a pillar of the NCCA for over seven years. Her leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to strengthening Dutch-Australian business ties have left a lasting impact. Helene’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping key initiatives and fostering strong community engagement.

• Rob van Veendendaal, outgoing Treasurer, has played a crucial role in ensuring the Chamber’s financial stability and growth. His financial expertise and dedication have been invaluable in supporting the NCCA’s continued success.

• Maaike van Meer, outgoing Board Member, has been a strong advocate for the Chamber’s initiatives, bringing her professional insights and collaborative spirit to the Board.

We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, passion, and leadership, which have helped shape the NCCA into the thriving network it is today. Thank you, Helene, Rob, and Maaike!

 

Introducing the New NCCA Board

Now, let’s meet the individuals who will be leading the NCCA forward.

Eelco Lijding – President

Eelco has been part of the NCCA since 2016, joining the board in 2023 before being elected as President in December 2024. A Partner at KPMG in Melbourne, Eelco specialises in large-scale transformations and is deeply passionate about talent development and neurodiversity in the workforce.

 

Connect with Eelco on LinkedIn

 

Rena Warmerdam – Co-Vice President

Having been involved with the NCCA since 2014, Rena previously served as the Chamber’s Business Manager before joining the board in 2020. In addition to her NCCA role, she supports Dutch entrepreneurs and professionals in Australia through ACE. Her dedication to fostering connections is invaluable to the Chamber.

 

Connect with Rena on LinkedIn

 

Hans van Daatselaar – Co-Vice President

Hans brings a wealth of governance and leadership experience to the board. He is an ASFA-appointed Director at the Gateway Network Governance Body Limited (GNGB), overseeing data transaction standards in the superannuation industry. His expertise in regulatory compliance strengthens the NCCA’s governance framework.

 

Connect with Hans on LinkedIn

 

Ruud van Henten – Treasurer

Ruud, a 25-year financial markets professional, joined the board as Treasurer in 2024. He has extensive experience in asset management, having worked with ABN AMRO in Amsterdam and the Middle East before moving to Melbourne in 2014. Ruud now serves as a Senior Markets Manager at NAB.

 

Connect with Ruud on LinkedIn

 

Jeff Baars – Board Member

Jeff has been a member of the NCCA since 2019 and joined the board in 2022. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Urban Rest, he brings valuable insight into business growth and innovation within the accommodation sector. His background includes serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Quest Apartment Hotels.

 

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

 

Petra Okhuizen – Board Member

Petra contributes to the NCCA as a Board Member, bringing her expertise to support the Chamber’s strategic initiatives.

 

Connect with Petra on LinkedIn

 

Bé Verwey – Board Member

Bé is the founder and director of Ernstver Consulting Pty Ltd, where he has helped over 200 businesses optimise sales, profitability, and operations. His entrepreneurial background, including running a photographic business in major Melbourne shopping centres, makes him a valuable asset to the board.

 

Connect with Bé on LinkedIn

 

Laurens Visscher – Board Member

Laurens leads one of the Accelerating Business Growth teams at KPMG as a Director. His extensive experience on NGO boards, including Rotary and ShelterBox, combined with his previous involvement with DutchSA and Dutchlink Sydney, positions him well to strengthen the NCCA’s mission.

 

Connect with Laurens on LinkedIn

 

Looking Ahead

The new NCCA Board is eager to build on past successes and introduce fresh initiatives to strengthen the Dutch-Australian business community. Stay tuned for upcoming events and collaborations as we continue to foster meaningful connections.

 

We once again express our gratitude to Helene, Rob, and Maaike for their invaluable contributions. Thank you for your leadership and service to the NCCA!