The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new member-oriented leadership team per September 1st, marking an important moment in the organisation’s history following the successful completion of its reorganisation under the previous Chair.
Heba Bevan OBE, the newly appointed Chair of NBCC, is set to bring fresh energy and vision to the chamber. Previously serving as Vice Chair of NBCC, Heba has played a key role in the organisation’s leadership. As the CEO and Founder of UtterBerry, Heba is an award-winning, widely recognised leader in AI technology and innovation, with deep connections across the UK business landscape. Her appointment as the first female Chair of NBCC ai represents a significant milestone, and is a testimony to the NBCC’s commitment to gender-equality. Her main focus will be on serving member needs by driving external business relations and fostering commercial growth across both the Netherlands and the UK. Heba has been a longstanding key player in the Dutch-British trade relationship, and won in 2023 the NBCC Tech AI Award handed out by former Prime Minister of The Netherlands and Minister of State Jan Peter Balkenende and Mrs. Nanette van Schelven, Director General of Dutch Customs.
“I am honoured to serve as Chair of the NBCC, an organisation with significant impact across the Netherlands and the UK,” said Heba. “With a strong team and a rich history since 1891 of promoting bilateral trade and investment, I am committed to unlocking the full potential of the NBCC and further strengthening its role to its members. In this new era, the NBCC will be vital in supporting our members and shaping the NL-UK relationship. I am looking forward to working with this energetic, member-oriented and strong team. I would like to thank Diederik for his leadership; the changes he and Harry implemented leave NBCC far better positioned for success.”
Joining her is Robert Metzke, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Sustainability at Philips, as the new Vice Chair, who will bring his extensive expertise in impact-focused strategy and innovation in business as well as in leadership and sustainability to further strengthen the NBCC Board. Robert plays an active role and in various boards working on inclusive socio-economic development, affordable and accessible healthcare and environmental sustainability including Amsterdam Economic Board, the Philips Foundation and the World Economic Forum.
Joanna Roper CMG, British Ambassador to the Netherlands and Patron of the NBCC, said: “Congratulations to Heba Bevan OBE on her appointment as the new Chair to the NBCC. Her appointment, together with the new Vice Chair Robert Metzke, SVP Sustainability from Philips comes at a pivotal moment, with new governments in both the UK and the Netherlands. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Heba and the team. The UK and the Netherlands share a rich trading history of over 400 years and are each other’s third-largest trading partners. As global leaders in innovation, our collaboration on emerging challenges in AI, data, technology and sustainability is more important than ever. Heba becomes the first female Chair since the NBCC’s founding in 1891 and her expertise will undoubtedly strengthen this partnership, driving economic growth and fostering prosperity between the two countries for future generations.”
Diederik van Wassenaer and Harry Brockhoff together with the NBCC management and board, have jointly concluded, that their successful tenure should come to an end per September 1st, next and have entrusted the organisation to the new leadership team. They extend their best wishes to the new team as they take on this crucial role. The NBCC board and management team express their sincere gratitude to Diederik and Harry for their hard work and achievements to successfully turn NBCC around making it a stronger organisation.
Diederik expressed his confidence in Heba's ability to lead the NBCC. "I am thrilled that Heba has been appointed as the new Chair of the NBCC. Heba is an energetic, business oriented and values driven business leader. She brings an excellent track record of delivery, a huge network and knowledge on the technologies of the future to the organisation. We look forward to Heba and the team realising the full potential of the NBCC as a winning organisation which delivers growth and value for its members and stakeholders. I have no doubt that she will lead the NBCC with great skill and dedication, and I wish her all the best in her new role."
With this change in leadership, the NBCC looks to the future with renewed confidence and enthusiasm, committed to supporting its members and helping businesses thrive across both The Netherlands and the UK.