Born on 22 January 1975 in Winschoten, married, 3 children
Party: New Social Contract (NSC)
The Netherlands’ trade with the world is a real success story. But in today’s turbulent times we’re also vulnerable. That’s why I stand for a robust trade policy that our businesses can build on. Because their growth is fundamental to our prosperity.
International trade
19 June 2025
Appointed Minister for Foreign Trade in the Schoof government
September 2020 – 19 June 2025
Head of the European Parliament section at the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
March 2016 – September 2020
Deputy head, Brexit Task Force, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
October 2013 – March 2016
Policy coordinator, Middle East Peace Process, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 2010 – October 2013
First secretary, Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 2007 – September 2010
Second secretary, Political Affairs Section, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pretoria, South Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
March 2007 – July 2007
Afghanistan Task Force member, Security Policy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
July 2006 – March 2007
Political Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ben Bot
May 2003 – June 2006
Policy officer, European Integration Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
October 2000 – May 2003
Policy officer, European Integration and Strategy Department, Ministry of Economic Affairs
1999 – 2000
LLM in European law, College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium)
1994 – 1999
LLM in Dutch law, University of Groningen
1993 – 1994
Associate of Arts, Dordt College (Sioux Center, Iowa, US)
