SIFE The Netherlands

In September 2002 the SIFE World Cup Competition was held in Amsterdam with 23 countries participating. As a result of this SIFE The Netherlands was set up early 2003 sponsored by Heineken, KPMG and Unilever. Dutch National Competitions have been held every year since 2003. In 2006 the event was attended by H.R.H Princess Máxima. In 2009 there were 12 teams competing from all parts of the Netherlands. The award ceremony was leaded by Peter Bakker (CEO TNT) and Renee Bergkamp (Director-General Ministry of Economic Affairs).

Board of Directors

Chairman

Kees van der Waaij, Chairman Unilever Nederland Holdings BV

"SIFE students make a meaningful contribution towards creating a better world. If there is anything the current financial crisis has taught us, it is that we want a future led by ethical business leaders who not only have a head for business but foremost a HEART for the world. SIFE students can make that difference!".

Secretary/treasurer

Carina Iannelli, Owner Making Things Happen

Directors

Ron Jansen, Managing Partner Ebbinge & Company
Hans de Ruiter, HR Director Heineken Nederland
Herman Dijkhuizen, Board Member KPMG The Netherlands
Johan van Zeelt, HR Director PontMeyer
Hetty van Ee, Director Ormit Group

Staff

Marjolein Schaftenaar, Program Manager

SIFE in The Netherlands is a truly “win-win”:

• for students, it means “learning by doing” in the areas of decision-making, teamwork, diversity, ethics and building sustainable organisations;
• for universities, their academic teaching on free market economics, is complimented by having the students’ managerial and leadership skills developed in real-life situations;
• for business, SIFE is one of the most effective corporate social responsibility programmes; and most importantly,
• for people who are less well off, SIFE is probably the best way “to help them to help themselves” for a better future within their own communities.

In short, SIFE is truly changing the world!