As part of the implementation of its 2021-2025 strategic growth plan, the Wildlife Justice Commission has announced the appointment of Susi Zijderveld as new Chair of the organisation’s Supervisory Board, effective on 10 September 2021.
Zijderveld succeeds Sam Muller, current Chair since 2016 and founding Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, who will step down as Chair on 10 September and will remain as member of the Supervisory Board until completing his second three-year term in March 2022.
Susi Zijderveld recently joined the Board of Dutch law firm Pels Rijcken as an external member, focusing on governance issues. She was Chief Governance, Risk & Compliance Officer at the Dutch Railways and was a member of the Executive Board, as well as Acting CEO of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Zijderveld started her career as a lawyer at Dutch law firm Stibbe and has served in different executive roles at the Dutch National Bank. She is currently a supervisory board member at NIBC Bank. She also has governance experience within the non-for-profit sector, and is currently a member of the Human Rights Watch Netherlands Council and Committee, Board member of the Concertgebouwfonds and Chair of the Board of the National Fund 4 and 5 May.
“I feel priviledged to join the Wildlife Justice Commission’s Supervisory Board at such a crucial time for the protection of biodiversity,” said Zijderveld. “With its innovative approach, the Wildlife Justice Commission has proven to be making a real difference to counter the transnational organised criminal networks that are profiting from the destruction of biodiversity. I am thrilled to contribute alongside the team to further the mission and impact of the Wildlife Justice Commission.”
“I am incredibly proud of the successes the organisation has achieved in just six short years, helping to dismantle dozens of transnational criminal networks, supporting law enforcement cooperation by developing and sharing intelligence on transnational criminality and contributing to make the fight against wildlife trafficking a priority on the political agenda, all with a nimble but highly professional and experienced team,” said Muller. “Susi’s professional experience will definitely help the Wildlife Justice Commission go to the next level and deliver on the strategic growth strategy set for the next five years.”
“This is a decisive moment for the Wildlife Justice Commission. I am deeply grateful to Sam for his vision and commitment, which turned a bold idea into a successful and resilient organisation,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director. “Equally, I am delighted to welcoming Susi to the team and I am looking forward to working with her. Her business-oriented and financial background is a major asset that will assist the organisation on seizing opportunities to scale up our fight against transnational wildlife crime at such a pivotal time for biodiversity and society.”