EN 
NL 
From 1 November, Kido Koenig is the new director of the Max van der Stoel Foundation.
Read this news item in English.
Kido Koenig previously worked at Capgemini, where he was a consultant and manager for 10 years in the field of digital transformations, talent development and change management. Before taking that step into the private sector, he spent many years in public life, as vice-chairman of the Young Socialists, chairman of the National Youth Council and founder of DEAL Leiden, a development cooperation foundation. Kido's commitment to public affairs also manifested itself during his career, as a board member of PEKS - a foundation for development cooperation focused on children - and trainer for municipal and provincial councils, among others, on public speaking, debating, and meeting. Above all, Kido has always remained active for the PvdA and in particular the FMS, as a trainer and chairman of the day.
Kido Koenig: "It is with particular pride and enthusiasm that I take the step to join this wonderful foundation. I am immensely looking forward to working with our partners and friends to make a difference for people who are fighting for democracy and a better life - at a time when it is incredibly needed."
President of the FMS, Bert Koenders, is pleased with the appointment: "We are extremely pleased to have Kido Koenig join the FMS as director. Kido was selected after a careful application process. He knows the FMS and has gained extensive experience in business as a consultant. Kido has frequently selflessly contributed to the training courses we organise internationally and developed the FMS debate module for us. He was also active many times as chairman and facilitator at FMS events, such as Africa Day and Building Change. Furthermore, Kido is a true social democrat with a past with the Young Socialists and the Labour Party Foreign Affairs Committee. With his drive and energy, we as the FMS board are confident that Kido will lead the FMS to a bright future."
Kido Koenig takes over from Arjen Berkvens, director of the FMS since its foundation in 2013 and before that of its predecessors Alfred Mozer Foundation and Evert Vermeer Foundation. "I am super happy that Kido will succeed me as director," says Arjen. "Kido has proven himself in business, is a dedicated social democrat and has been selflessly committed to the FMS for many years. I do leave the FMS with pain in my heart. I will greatly miss the staff, the volunteers and the (international) network. I hope to continue giving my contribution as a volunteer in the future. I will now start working fully as a coordinating confidant at the University of Amsterdam. I am greatly looking forward to that."
The Foundation Max van der Stoel (FMS) is an independent foreign foundation affiliated to the PvdA. The foundation works for democratisation in the EU's neighbouring countries by supporting young political parties with training courses. The FMS also advocates for a fairer Dutch and EU policy towards developing countries, and stimulates public debate on these issues in the Netherlands through public events such as the Africa Day, which attracts 1,000 visitors each year.
Want to find out more about Kido? Read the interview with our new director by Geerke Visser and Sofie Nollen.
