SIDN appoints Anne Fleur van Veenstra as co-CEO
in plain words
SIDN runs the .nl domain for the Netherlands. It has picked a new leader, Anne Fleur van Veenstra, to work alongside Loek Bakker. Bakker will take over as chief executive when Roelof Meijer retires in May 2027.
Full summary
SIDN Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland The organization that runs the Netherlands' .nl domain. Full definition of SIDN’s Supervisory Board has appointed Anne Fleur van Veenstra as co-CEO and a member of the Executive Board. She will take up the post on 1 January 2027. The change is planned as a gradual handover. On 1 May 2027, Van Veenstra and Loek Bakker will form the Executive Board, with Bakker as CEO and Van Veenstra as co-CEO. Current CEO Roelof Meijer retires on that date and is succeeded by Bakker. Meijer stays as CEO until 1 May 2027.
Van Veenstra is currently Director of Science at TNO Vector / ICT, Strategy & Policy. She also holds an endowed professorship in data and algorithm governance for municipal policy at Leiden University. The organisation says she has more than 20 years of experience in digital transformation, data, artificial intelligence, digital governance and the effect of technology on society. She also holds national and international supervisory and advisory roles in digital innovation and AI.
Marjet van Zuijlen, Chair of SIDN’s Supervisory Board, says Van Veenstra can connect technological developments to societal issues and public interests. Van Zuijlen says her expertise and managerial experience fit the role SIDN plays in the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure.
Loek Bakker says digitisation, cybersecurity, digital autonomy and the responsible use of data and AI will be key issues for society in the years ahead. He says Van Veenstra brings strategic, technological and societal expertise.
Van Veenstra says SIDN has a unique position in the digital society of the Netherlands. She describes the work of operating the .nl domain as making the internet secure, stable and reliable, and says she values the mix of technology, social responsibility and innovation.
Roelof Meijer says he is confident about the future and that the leadership team is ready. In the first months after she starts, Van Veenstra will work with Meijer and Bakker to prepare the leadership transition.