Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
I am a professional Board Member (IMD-certified, more than 15 years on Dutch national and global Boards), public speaker and panel moderator, strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience guiding governments, international organizations, and global businesses on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of emerging internet technologies. My passion lies in ensuring technology serves people — promoting inclusive, sustainable digital societies that are a pleasure to live in. I bring a strong commitment to responsible governance and good stewardship, with a focus on financial integrity, ethical leadership, and environmental responsibility. Until recently, I serve as a Director on the Board of ICANN, the global nonprofit responsible for ensuring a secure, stable, and interoperable internet. I was elected by my peers to serve as Chairman of the ICANN Board (2019–2022), and together we managed to navigate successfully through the game-changing COVID pandemic. My board contributions have emphasized improved governance practices, strategic foresight, and strengthened engagement with governments and global stakeholders. Previous board roles include: • Chair, ICANN (U.S. 501(c)3, stewards on the global Internet’s Unique Identifier system; . Chair, Public Interest Registry (U.S. 501(c)(3)), operator of the .ORG domain • Chair, Supervisory Board, NLnet Foundation (Dutch “Stichting”), a key enabler of open internet technologies • Board Member, Institute for Accountability in the Digital Age (I4ADA): Advocated for accountability and ethical standards in internet governance. These roles reflect my commitment to public interest governance, transparent decision-making, and long-term value creation. In parallel, I lead GNKS Consult BV, offering independent strategic advice, policy research, and consultancy on data protection, ICT security, data use and value, the Internet of Things, and global capacity building. Earlier, I held positions with the Dutch government, the European Commission, and RAND Corporation. I thrive at the intersection of governance, technology, and public value in a global setting and welcome opportunities to contribute to mission-driven boards and initiatives that demand strategic insight, integrity, and good stewardship.
The Whisper Advisory Board is committed to help Whisper in its long term strategic orientation and in practical support and advice in market approaches that emphasize increasing justifiable trust in the use of the Internet.
Independent strategic advice, policy research and consultancy. GNKS stands for “Global Networked Knowledge Society”: a deep understanding of what that means for business, policy and life underpins his work to put strategic and policy challenges into perspective. Whereas policy analysis is at the core, GNKS goes beyond that in its aim to help making things happen. My company relies on extensive knowledge and experience, and on the excellent contact network on matters relating to privacy & data protection, ICT security, value and use of data, governance of Internet of Things towards the future, better government services, and global capacity building towards a more trusted Internet.
My task was to help guide EasyDMARC’s long-term growth, resilience and market leadership in email security and developing strategic relationships. Email remains one of the most pervasive and trusted communication channels in business, government and personal use. Yet it also remains one of the most attractive vectors for cyber-attack, fraud, phishing, and impersonation. As the world increasingly relies on digital interactions, establishing justifiable trust in email is vital to sustaining confidence in digital communication. EasyDMARC helps organisations implement key authentication protocols such as DMARC, SPF and DKIM — thereby strengthening domain source reputation, reducing impersonation risk, improving deliverability and reinforcing trust. These capabilities align with the broader imperative for resilient, inclusive digital infrastructure in a connected world.
Contributing as Director and former Chairman (2019 - 2022) to the work of ICANN . ICANN is a global not-for-profit public-benefit corporation dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet's unique identifiers with the help of multiple stakeholders. Elected by my peers as Chairman October 2019, stepped down in September 2022. Specific interests in "better governance", strategic development of ICANN beyond the IANA transition and further improvement of ICANN - government relationships.
The foundation "Stichting NLnet" stimulates network research and development in the domain of Internet technology. The articles of association for the NLnet foundation state: "to promote the exchange of electronic information and all that is related or beneficial to that purpose". As Chairman of the Supervisory Board I have been engaged in making sure that the foundation does its work in accordance with its statutes, and manages its work effectively. Since 2013, we implemented a major strategic reorientation in line with the mission, and NLnet Foundation continues to be valued for its contributions to an open internet for all.