Welcome Linda Broekhuizen

We are delighted to welcome Linda Broekhuizen as the new chair of the board of Foodvalley NL, effective September 1st, 2023. Linda has a long track record at FMO, the Netherlands Development Bank, where she worked for more than two decades on long-term sustainable private sector investments in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Green and inclusive transformation through innovation and partnerships has always been high on her agenda. Linda initiated agribusiness as FMO’s third focus sector, giving her an international perspective on the global future of our food systems.  

Linda will support Foodvalley NL in furthering its strategic ambitions, focusing on:

“Linda brings in-depth knowledge of transitions, change management, the agrifood and financial sectors, investment processes and organisational development. She is impact driven, a food lover and full of energy. We all look forward to continuing on this journey with Linda together to bring Foodvalley NL to the next level,” boardmember Arjen van Tunen said.

Linda will succeed outgoing chair Edith Schippers, who has held the position since March 2020. Edith is departing to focus on her new position within dsm-firmenich and her role as a chairman of the VVD party of the Senate in the Netherlands.

In the years that Edith has been chair, she has worked to reposition Foodvalley NL as a Practice Leader, providing focus and increasing social, environmental and economic impact. She is a true advocate of thriving innovative ecosystems to facilitate our frontrunners in their quest for affordable, delicious and sustainable food for all.

“Foodvalley NL is a crucial part of our innovation infrastructure and knowledge economy, which we all need to actively support and build to remain relevant in the future. It is the powerful ecosystems that are shaping the food transition. The Netherlands plays a leading role in this globally.” said Edith.

Marjolein Brasz, CEO Foodvalley NL, is very pleased about the arrival of Linda. “Linda brings a new vibe and energy, this together with her diverse background, expertise and network will help us lift the organisation to the next level’.

Marjolein also warmly thanks Edith, on behalf of the team, for her commitment and achievements. “We really enjoyed working with Edith. She has a refreshing approach, is super engaged, sharp, strategic, always positive and solution oriented. I will miss Edith and our walks during which she sharpened my thoughts and actions to propel forward.”

For interview requests and/or more information on the content of this press release, please contact Karolien NIederer, Lead Communications at Foodvalley NL, karolien.niederer@foodvalley.nl.