Supervisory Board appoints Anne Fleur van Veenstra as co-CEO of SIDN
Anne Fleur to start on 1 January 2027
SIDN’s Supervisory Board has appointed Anne Fleur van Veenstra as co-CEO and Executive Board member. She will take up the post on 1 January 2027. On 1 May 2027, Anne Fleur and Loek Bakker will become SIDN’s Executive Board when current CEO Roelof Meijer retires and is succeeded by Loek Bakker.
Expertise in data, AI and digital governance
Anne Fleur van Veenstra has wide experience in the field of digitisation, technology, public values and societal innovation. She is currently Director of Science at TNO Vector / ICT, Strategy & Policy. In addition, she holds an endowed professorship in data and algorithm governance for municipal policy at Leiden University. Over the course of her career, Anne Fleur has spent more than 20 years working on issues relating to digital transformation, data, artificial intelligence, digital governance and technology’s impact on society. She also works at the national and international levels in various supervisory and advisory roles in the field of digital innovation and AI.
An executive with affinity for technology and public values
“In Anne Fleur van Veenstra, SIDN is getting an executive who has the ability to connect technological developments to societal issues and public interests,” says Marjet van Zuijlen, Chair of SIDN’s Supervisory Board. “Her expertise in digitisation, data, artificial intelligence and governance, combined with her managerial experience and extensive network, are perfectly aligned with the role that SIDN plays in the digital infrastructure of the Netherlands. Together with Loek Bakker, Anne Fleur can lead the further development of a future-proof organisation that, through .nl, keeps the Netherlands securely and reliably connected.”
Contributing to the future of the internet in the Netherlands
Looking ahead to her new role, Anne Fleur van Veenstra says “SIDN has a unique position in the digital society of the Netherlands. As operator of the .nl domain, the organisation works day in, day out to make the internet secure, stable and reliable. I find that combination of technology, social responsibility and innovation very appealing. So, I’m looking forward to working with Loek, everyone at SIDN and the stakeholder community to contribute to SIDN’s future.”
Shaping the next phase of SIDN’s development together
“In the years ahead, digitisation, cybersecurity, digital autonomy and the responsible use of data and AI are going to be key issues for our society,” says Loek Bakker. “Anne Fleur’s background means that she brings a valuable combination of strategic, technological and societal expertise. I look forward to working with her to lead SIDN forward.”
Gradual transition to new executive structure
“I’m very confident about the future, knowing that such a strong leadership team is ready to take the helm,” says Roelof Meijer. “With Loek as my successor and Anne Fleur as co-CEO, SIDN will benefit from their combined experience, knowledge and fresh outlooks.” Roelof Meijer will remain SIDN’s CEO until 1 May 2027. In the first months after she takes up her post, Anne Fleur will work closely with Roelof and Loek to thoroughly prepare the ground for the leadership transition. Then, from 1 May 2027, Loek Bakker and Anne Fleur van Veenstra will together form SIDN’s Executive Board, as CEO and co-CEO, respectively.
