Maarten van Gaans - Gijbels

Directeur Element NL | Dutch upstream and midstream gas, oil and carbon storage

The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands

About

With a passion for driving impactful transitions, I play an active role across the energy sector. My focus is on strengthening the role of upstream and midstream energy and carbon storage in delivering an affordable, secure and sustainable energy future for the Netherlands and Europe. I bring strategic vision and a results-driven mindset, combined with a deep understanding of the political and regulatory landscape.

Experience

  • Directeur at Element NL
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    Element NL is the industry association representing companies active in the production and transport of natural gas, oil and CO₂ storage in the Netherlands.

  • Chair at Nederlandse Vereniging van Binnenhavens
    Oct 2023 - Mar 2026 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Dutch Federation of Inland Ports (0,1 fte)

  • Head of Public Affairs, Climate, Environment, Security at VEMOBIN
    Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 · 2 yrs

  • Regional Minister / Member of the Provincial Executive (Lid Gedeputeerde Staten) at Provincie Limburg
    Jul 2021 - May 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • D66 (6 yrs 11 mos)
    • Political advisor to Rob Jetten
      Feb 2019 - Jul 2021 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Senior parliamentary policy advisor (Tweede Kamer)
      Sep 2017 - Feb 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Parliamentary assistant MEP (European Parliament)
      Sep 2014 - Sep 2017 · 3 yrs 1 mo