Melanie Maas Geesteranus appointed as SNV Supervisory Board Chairperson from January 1st, 2024
The Supervisory Board of SNV is delighted to announce the appointment of Melanie Maas Geesteranus as Supervisory Board Chairperson, effective 1 January 2024, for an initial four-year term.
With a distinguished career spanning government, international development and the private sector, Ms Maas Geesteranus’ extensive expertise will be invaluable in guiding SNV to realise its mission of enabling sustainable and more equitable lives for all.
On behalf of the Managing Board, SNV's CEO Simon O'Connell said “we are thrilled to have someone of Melanie's breadth of experience and clear passion for our mission at the helm of our Supervisory Board through SNV's next strategic chapter".
Distinguished and diverse career
As Chief Executive Officer of Porticus since April 2018, Melanie has been leading efforts to advance a just and sustainable future where human dignity flourishes. Prior to this, she held positions in local and national government and gained experience with the UN, the World Bank, and multilateral platforms including the World Economic Forum.
Ms Maas Geesteranus has served as a Minister in several Dutch cabinets, actively engaging in major topics such as infrastructure, international development aid and the environment. In the private sector, she was a director at Achmea Zorg Healthcare Insurers, one of the largest insurance providers in Europe.
With extensive knowledge of areas relevant to SNV's work and a diverse skillset, Ms Maas Geesteranus is ideally-placed to both supervise and support SNV’s CEO and Managing Board and to further strengthen the seven-member-strong Supervisory Board, which she will be responsible for leading.
Committed to catalyzing positive change
Earlier this year SNV unveiled its 2030 Strategy, which responds to the rapidly changing global context and will help the organisation deepen its contribution to building a better world through collaboration and partnership.
Renowned for her down-to-earth approach and ability to bring diverse groups together to address issues at scale, Ms Maas Geesteranus is superbly equipped to help guide SNV as it embarks on this new strategic chapter.
"I look forward to joining SNV as Chairperson of the Supervisory Board, learning more about the essential work SNV does amidst these challenging global times and contributing to the effective delivery of impact in line with the organisation's 2030 strategy," said Ms Maas Geesteranus, expressing her enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
Ms Maas Geesteranus is a strong advocate for the value of development cooperation in enabling a more equitable and sustainable society. Through this new endeavor with SNV she is committed to advancing social inclusion, positive change, and collaboration for a better, more equitable world.
Passing on the baton
Ms Maas Geesteranus is preceded by Koos Richelle, who will hand over the SNV Chairperson role after 8 years of exceptional contribution to SNV.
Throughout his two terms as Chairperson - from June 2015 to December 2023 – Mr Richelle has helped navigate the organisation’s evolution to a fully project-funded and trusted development partner, known for projects that achieve tangible results and catalyze systems transformation. His commitment to advancing SNV’s mission has left a lasting impact and the organisation is deeply appreciative of all he has contributed.
Mr O’Connell said “Koos has steered SNV through the organisation's transition from direct Dutch subsidy to an extensive array of partnerships and robust organisational health with considerable dedication, a great depth of wisdom and a calmness and good humour. He leaves us ideally placed to accelerate and scale impact during these tumultuous global times when this is so much in need. We have deep appreciation for all that he has given to our organisation".