Mariëlle van der Zouwen new director of KWH

In June of this year, the Supervisory Board started an intensive and thorough recruitment and selection process with the help of an external recruitment agency. This revealed Mariëlle to be the most suitable candidate for the position. She emerged as a connecting and empathetic leader with extensive experience within the Dutch, Flemish and international (drinking) water sectors. Mariëlle has been associated with KWR for 15 years as a researcher of knowledge networks and futures studies, MT member, and deputy and interim director.

“We as commissioners are very pleased to have Mariëlle on board as statutory director for KWH. She has a keen eye for the opportunities and challenges the organisation will face in the coming years and has a clear vision of knowledge and KWR’s role in it. Mariëlle can count on great support from both shareholders and employees.”

Lambert Verheijen, chairman of the Supervisory Board

Bridging science to practice

Mariëlle van der Zouwen started her career at KWR in 2009 as a senior scientific researcher in knowledge networks and futures studies. In 2013, she joined the management team as the Sustainability & Transitions knowledge group manager. With the experts of the knowledge group, she shaped KWR’s motto, ‘Bridging science to practice’ nationally and internationally, ranging from short- to long-term knowledge programs and initiatives, in close collaboration with professionals in the field. Examples include Waterwijs, the joint water research program for Dutch and Flemish water companies, the research program Water in the Circular Economy and the Dutch Water Sector Intelligence initiative.

Water, environment and policy

Mariëlle is a board member of the Global Water Research Coalition, the Aqua Research Collaboration, Wetskills, the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre and, until June 2024, Water Europe. She holds an MA and PhD in policy-oriented environmental science and political sciences of the environment. Previously, she worked as a researcher on Green Space Policy Processes at Alterra and as a PhD student on Environment and Policy at Radboud University (dissertation in 2006). Before Mariëlle came to KWR, she was an assistant professor of Forest and Nature Policy at Wageningen University.

“In my career, I have always been doing what KWR and Allied Waters do daily: connecting science and practice. It is a privilege to be the standard bearer of the institute. Fantastic colleagues are working here who bring to life the value of water for people and the environment with great passion. Together, we continue building on our activating role in transitioning to a sustainable, water-wise society.”

Mariëlle van der Zouwen

Management team

Effective 1 January 2025, KWR’s management team will consist of the following members:

• Mariëlle van der Zouwen, managing director of KWH
• Idsart Dijkstra, manager of knowledge group Water
• Jos Boere, director Allied Waters
• Erika Marseille, manager of Corporate Services