Simavi appoints Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat as co-director
Simavi's Supervisory Board has appointed Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat as managing director with effect from 1 July.
She will fulfil this position together with the current managing director, Dieneke van der Wijk: 'We are convinced that leadership based on different perspectives and experiences ensures stronger decision-making and leads to a more sustainable impact.'
Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat has been working at Simavi for five years as director of fundraising & engagement. Prior to that, she held various positions at Amref Health Africa and Oxfam Novib, with a strong focus on women's rights, equality and policy advocacy.
Increasing impact
'Over the past five years, I have worked at Simavi to increase our impact in the fight against the water crisis. I am very happy to continue this mission as director-administrator. Together with Dieneke, I believe that our shared leadership complements each other: joint knowledge leads to better decisions and more impact. One in four people worldwide still do not have access to safe and clean drinking water. That is why we are joining forces, growing the organisation and making a real difference,' says Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat.
Feminist leadership
Simavi's mission is urgent: to ensure that women and girls can realise their right to water, sanitation, health and equality, especially now that climate change is further increasing inequality. With the co-directorate, Simavi emphasises its conviction that feminist leadership, based on inclusivity, cooperation and equality, is the most effective path to lasting change.
