Verkoelen

Vincent Verkoelen (1978) is a strategic leader with more than twenty years of experience guiding organisations through complex change and transformation. He combines strategic insight, executive experience, a strong financial foundation and a strong sense of public purpose with an energetic and collaborative leadership style.

In environments where diverse interests, expectations and challenges converge, Vincent brings focus, energy and momentum. He is known for his ability to quickly get to the heart of complex issues, connect people and translate challenges into clear choices and tangible results.

Social Housing – real estate

At Haag Wonen, one of the larger housing corporations in the Netherlands, a new course was needed: the organisation had to respond to the national housing shortage, the energy transition and growing demands for public accountability. As Director of Strategy & Portfolio, Vincent set that course, connecting real estate investment, sustainability, urban development and social strategy into one steering approach – resulting in a ten-year, approximately €2.2 billion investment programme across 24,000 units, including 21,000 homes. He led 18 specialists directly, held broader responsibility for communications, public affairs and data-driven working, advised the Executive and Supervisory Boards on strategy and governance, and negotiated multi-year performance agreements with the Municipality of The Hague and fellow housing associations.

Diversity & Inclusion

At the Greater Amsterdam Anti-Discrimination Office, Vincent stepped in – at the request of the Supervisory Board – during a whistleblower situation and reputational crisis, amid significant internal and political unrest. As interim director, he transformed the organisation, delivering 40% revenue growth and a 120% increase in caseload. He reset the organisation's strategy, identity and external positioning, built coalitions with municipalities, advocacy groups and national partners, and established a new research function to strengthen evidence and visibility. He led a team of 15 and served on the national Directors Council.

Arts & Culture

Doubled visitor numbers to more than 50,000 (60% international) as Managing Director of the Museum of the Canals (Museum Het Grachtenhuis), establishing it as a recognised Amsterdam cultural destination. Took executive responsibility following an unexpected management change, stabilised the organisation (25 fte), quadrupled media exposure, and developed the museum as an event venue generating roughly 25% of annual revenue – while completing its ICOM registration. The youngest museum director in the Netherlands at the time.

Sustainable Finance

Began his career at ABN AMRO as strategic and organisational partner to the Global Head of Sustainable Development, supporting senior engagement with the World Bank Climate Change Advisory Group and working on implementation of the Equator Principles. At TBLI Group, built international relationships between pension funds, family offices and institutional investors, organised Investor Salons in London, Paris, Zurich, Munich and Amsterdam, and helped deliver TBLI conferences across Europe and Asia – the start of an international partnership and investor-relations thread that has stayed part of his work since.

Politics

Led strategic direction for internal and external communications and brand positioning as board member for Communications & Campaigns at D66 Amsterdam, coordinating multiple national and provincial election campaigns and mobilising more than 150 volunteers. Earlier, as National President of the Jonge Democraten (Young Democrats), led the largest political youth organisation in the Netherlands and acted as its public face. Also took part in the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program.

Academic background

Vincent holds a Master's degree in Finance (MSc) and a degree in Business Administration (drs.) from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In 2026, he completed the Supervisory Board Programme at Nyenrode Business Universiteit.