Wendy de Jong secures another term as CEO of Oost NL
Wendy de Jong’s reappointment as CEO of Oost NL reinforces the agency’s commitment to innovation and business growth in the Dutch eastern provinces.
A Strong Vote of Confidence
On 26 April 2024, the shareholders of Oost NL, including representatives from the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate, endorsed the recommendation of the Board of Commissioners to reappoint Wendy de Jong as the CEO of Oost NL for another four-year term. This decision, celebrated by the Board’s chairman Dirk Jan Klein Essink, acknowledges de Jong’s accomplishments in enhancing the innovative capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises in East Netherlands and securing Oost NL’s position as a pivotal organization promoting sustainable economic growth and societal impact in the region.
Oost NL’s Impact on Regional Development
Under de Jong’s leadership, Oost NL has made significant strides in fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial ventures. With a mission to accelerate innovations through investing and internationalizing, Oost NL has been instrumental in developing regional business clusters and knowledge networks. The agency has also acted as a venture investor from early stages and has been successful in attracting foreign companies to the region, thereby enhancing the regional economy. Their focus on sustainable changes in key sectors such as food, health, technology, energy, and the circular economy has positioned the East Netherlands as a hub for sustainable innovation.
Championing a Resilient Economy
Oost NL’s contributions go beyond mere financial investment; they are a testament to nearly 50 years of commitment to building a resilient economy in the East Netherlands. The annual report from Oost NL highlights their role in investing more in innovative startups in 2023, assisting in securing national and EU innovation subsidies, and supporting companies as they establish themselves in the region. This is in line with the global trend towards mission-driven innovation policies that prioritize societal impact while also fostering economic prosperity.
Looking Forward to New Horizons
With Wendy de Jong at the helm for another term, Oost NL is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and impact. The organization’s ongoing initiatives, such as the collaboration to transform the Noviotech Campus and the contributions from ROMs in bridging financing gaps for innovative companies, underscore its role as a catalyst for change. De Jong’s reappointment solidifies the confidence of stakeholders in her vision and leadership as Oost NL navigates the challenges of fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.