Effective January 1, 2025, the Supervisory Board of AI Coalition for the Netherlands has appointed Klaas Wagenaar as ecosystem director. The Supervisory Board and Board welcome Klaas to this new role, in which he will focus on strengthening and connecting the ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of AI, particularly in the business community.
Klaas Wagenaar is an entrepreneur, director, technology and AI strategist and managing partner at Canton Capital. In addition, Klaas is chairman at LEXGEN AI and a supervisory board member at Zweegers Equipment. In 2013, Klaas founded the consulting firms BOLD and BOLD Digital, which were successfully acquired by FTI Consulting in early 2022. With more than 30 years of (international) experience in the technology and digital sector, Klaas has held executive positions at international companies such as CapGemini, Baan, Getronics, KPMG and FTI in business consulting and digital and AI solutions.
In choosing Klaas, the Supervisory Board of AI Coalition for the Netherlands emphasizes the importance that a thriving AI sector will have entrepreneurs at its core, as they are essential to keeping the economy competitive, adaptive and innovative. Cees Oudshoorn, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, on behalf of the Board, said, "With the arrival of Klaas as a new director, the AI Coalition for the Netherlands will have an even stronger administrative team. We are convinced that Klaas will give a strong impulse to the application of AI in business in particular. This is badly needed given the historically low productivity growth and chronic labor market shortages."
Willem Jonker, chairman of the board, emphasizes Klaas' importance for a strong AI ecosystem for the Netherlands: "We are delighted with Klaas' appointment. Klaas has extensive experience with the deployment of digital technology and AI in business and government. His experience, knowledge and network are very valuable for strengthening the ecosystem and adoption of AI."
Klaas Wagenaar is highly motivated to contribute to a strong Dutch AI position: "The Dutch innovation agenda, and the role of entrepreneurs in it, is high on my list of priorities. AI plays a leading role in accelerating innovation, and I am happy to contribute to this. With my experience and strong ties to the business community, I want to contribute to the safe and responsible development and application of AI in the Netherlands."
