With the appointment of new directors, LIOF is fully committed to innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship in Limburg

Robbert Koldenhof: new managing director

Robbert Koldenhof (1985) has more than ten years of administrative experience in both the public and private sectors. He is currently director/administrator at CINOP (educational consultancy and research agency). Here, he works on embedding educational services and innovations in vocational education. Prior to this, Robbert worked at Element Materials Technology, where he focused on scaling up and integrating R&D laboratories for high-performance materials. Early in his career, he worked for BMC (a consultancy firm for the public sector) and UNL (a trade association of universities), among others. Robbert Koldenhof holds a Master's degree in Tax Law from Leiden University. He lives in Maastricht, is married and has three children.

Robbert Koldenhof: "Limburg has everything it needs to remain a leader in the field of sustainable and innovative economy. I see LIOF as a catalyst for supporting Limburg entrepreneurs in innovation and growth. Together with its partners and shareholders, it aims to further strengthen Limburg's earning capacity and build a vibrant living environment. I am keen to put my previous experience in international business and the public sector to good use at LIOF. I am also looking forward to working with colleagues, stakeholders and businesses.”

John Jorritsma: Chairman of the Supervisory Board

John Jorritsma has been nominated as chair by the Supervisory Board. He was mayor of Eindhoven until 2022. Prior to that, he served as Queen's Commissioner and King's Commissioner in Friesland, director of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and mayor of Cranendonck and Budel. John was also chairman of the successful Brainport formula and of the Eindhoven Metropolitan Region.

John Jorritsma: "My heart lies in administrative and economic affairs, and I derive enormous satisfaction from establishing connections between the Triple Helix: the business community, knowledge partners and public parties. Supporting vital SMEs, start-ups and pioneers is essential, also for the province of Limburg. But seeking connections with other regions at home and abroad is also very important. After all, the Netherlands is just a tiny dot on the world map! I look forward to working with the shareholders, my fellow supervisory directors, Robbert Koldenhof as the new director and, of course, the entire LIOF organisation to take exciting steps towards a vibrant future!"

Miriam Dragstra: Member of the Supervisory Board

Miriam Dragstra was nominated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. For more than ten years, she was responsible for the investment arm of BOM (the Brabant Development Agency) and still works there as a Special Advisor. Prior to that, she worked at ABN AMRO for more than 25 years, most recently as Director of Public Banking Netherlands.

Miriam Dragstra: “In these times of major transition challenges, the importance of a strong regional economy continues to grow. Limburg has a lot to offer, with a strong SME sector, a high-quality manufacturing industry, a leading chemical cluster at Chemelot and four Brightlands campuses full of innovative developments. LIOF can make a difference for Limburg. Together with knowledge institutions, partners in the Euregio, investors at home and abroad, and other regional development companies.”

Daan Kersten, Supervisory Board of LIOF

Daan Kersten: "With Robbert Koldenhof, we are bringing in an experienced manager who can combine his experience in building organisations with strong operational competencies in both private and public contexts. As interim director, Jeroen Walraven worked with the teams to set up the 'Fit for the Future' project, with a strong focus on further optimising internal processes. This was necessary due to the strong growth that LIOF has experienced over the past few years, increased reporting requirements and in preparation for LIOF's new multi-year strategy. We are convinced that the new director can now take an important next step in anchoring the transitions in order to continue working with innovative entrepreneurs towards a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg. The aim is to achieve a careful balance between economic and social returns. We wish Robbert every success and enjoyment in his work at LIOF.

We also welcome John Jorritsma as chair and Miriam Dragstra as member of the Supervisory Board. Both have extensive expertise in finance and economics and a proven track record in regional and national innovative public-private partnerships. Miriam Dragstra brings with her a wealth of knowledge about corporate finance and the private capital market. Special thanks go to former Supervisory Board members Hans Jennissen and San Croonenberg, who have contributed to LIOF's growth in recent years into a mission-driven organisation in which core tasks such as financing and business development are used for promising and future-proof companies. With the Supervisory Board now complete and the new managing director in place, we are ready to get to work with energy and enthusiasm in our progressive province.

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