Laurens Hoedemaker new chairman COV and VNV

On 12 January 2021, Laurens Hoedemaker was appointed as the new chairman of the Central Organization for the Meat Industry (COV) and the Association for the Dutch Meat Industry (VNV). He succeeds Jos Goebbels, who will step down from his position due to reaching retirement age around the summer of this year. The transfer of duties will begin on 1 May 2021.

Laurens Hoedemaker (50) has been director of the Royal Dutch Hunting Association since 1 June 2014. Under his leadership, the Hunters' Association succeeded in repositioning itself, regaining broad public support for hunting in the Netherlands, and getting prohibitive regulations for hunters off the table. His work experience and skills fit perfectly with the profile for the new chairman of the employers' organizations COV and VNV.

Henny Swinkels, vice president of COV, welcomes Hoedemaker's appointment as president: "I know Laurens as a driven, honest and strategic advocate with an eye for what's going on in society and a feel for political relations. His networks in politics, among policy-makers and in the field are of great importance to the COV. Under his leadership and together with the members, the COV will continue to give substance to our Master Plan for 2025 and the further sustainability of the meat sector."

Aldo van der Laan, vice president of the VNV, adds: "Hoedemaker is exactly what we had in mind for a new chairman. His veterinary background, his work experience in The Hague and his experience as an association man make him very suitable for this position. I am convinced that in Laurens Hoedemaker we have found a suitable successor to Jos Goebbels."

cov.nl