Looking back and ahead: Rob Steijn hands over NWP Supervisory Board Chair

“I am glad to have been part of its story. Each role brought me closer to a different side of NWP, from its finances to the conversations about its future,” Steijn says as he reflects on his departure. “Over the years, the organisation and the people around it came to mean a great deal to me,” he adds. 
 
Steijn’s involvement began more than 20 years ago when Arcadis became a founding member of NWP. Over time, he became increasingly engaged. From member-related activities on the sector’s market opportunities to in-depth discussions about NWP’s role and its potential for growth, he has seen it all. “What I will remember most is being part of NWP’s development over the years and sharing that experience with the people involved,” he says. “I have always enjoyed the human side of this role. The everyday exchanges have meant as much to me as the bigger milestones.”

In both roles, Steijn says, he kept coming back to three priorities: sound finances, the quality of NWP’s work and, above all, its members. “Members are the reason NWP exists. Their needs help us decide where NWP can make a difference and what is better left to others,” he explains. “What matters to me is that NWP brings businesses, knowledge institutions, public organisations and NGOs together. It helps them find partners and share Dutch water knowledge abroad. At its best, that means people finding each other and doing something together that they could not have done alone. That is a role worth supporting, and one that will always need the Board’s attention.”

Established in 2023, the Supervisory Board oversees the organisation’s governance and approves major strategic, financial and organisational decisions. In doing so, it helps safeguard the interests of the organisation and its stakeholders. Besides the Chairman, the Board comprises three members, Esat Akkaya, Marjolein Meerburg, and Martijn van de Groep. More about NWP's governance can be found here.
 
Steijn’s successor, Jelle Hannema, joined the Board in January 2026. His vast experience in water sector dynamics has been built over years of dedication to and involvement in both the Dutch and international sectors. Hannema views this new challenge with great enthusiasm. “I strongly believe in the strength of the Dutch water sector. As challenges continue to grow, I am looking forward – along with the rest of the Board, NWP’s members and its stakeholders – to supporting NWP have an even bigger impact. I am very confident this will bring about more sustainable solutions and business success.”
 
As he hands over the role, Steijn adds, “I wish Jelle and my fellow Supervisory Board members every success and much pleasure in their work with NWP. I hope he finds the role as rewarding as I have. I leave with confidence in NWP’s future and look forward to seeing what comes next for NWP.”
 
Reflecting on Rob’s departure, NWP Director Rick Elmendorp says “I have greatly valued working with Rob. He combined a strong commitment to NWP and its people with the willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge my thinking. That combination of trust, support and constructive challenge has helped strengthen the organisation. I thank him warmly for everything he has done and look forward to building on that foundation with Jelle as our new Supervisory Board Chair.”