Last Friday, 14 November 2025, we finally had the pleasure of welcoming our guests to our flagship event at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. Hosting the evening in such an iconic location, one that also reflects the historic ties between Sweden and the Netherlands, made it a perfectly fitting venue for our Annual Dinner.
After nearly seven months of location visits, meetings, final adjustments, and meticulous preparation, it was a true pleasure (and relief) to see everything come together so beautifully on the night itself.
The unique ambiance of the Vasa Museum, combined with our wonderful guests, the inspiring speeches by Ambassador Joost Reintjes and our Chair, Manuel Harmsen, and the lovely background music provided by the Benny Nelson Experience, created a memorable evening that we hope everyone enjoyed as much as we did.
On a personal note, it has been a genuine joy to create this evening for you and to meet so many of you throughout our events this year. As I am relocating back to the Netherlands, my involvement with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Sweden will come to an end. I would like to thank you all for the memories, opportunities, and friendships formed along the way. I am certain our paths will cross again.
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On behalf of the entire Dutch Chamber of Commerce team and myself, thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you again next year.

​/Annalie Schmittmann

Last Friday we gathered at the Netherlands Embassy for the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Sweden’s People Committee’s first leadership seminar:

Leading Through Uncertainty

Anko van der Werff (CEO, SAS) and Dennis van Schie (VP Supply, Northvolt) spoke with moderator Stefanie Koch about steering their organisations through uncertain periods. Their openness gave us a rare and honest look at leadership under pressure.

A warm thank you to Ambassador Joost Reintjes for opening the session, to our speakers and panel members, and to everyone who joined and contributed with sharp questions and good discussions.

This session closed our lunch series on People on a high note. You are welcome to bring colleagues, clients, or partners to our upcoming events as we continue to grow the network.
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/MH

Marlies Stokman: "I’m still quite new to Sweden, having moved here at the end of August 2025, right after finishing my Master’s degree in Copenhagen. I joined the Dutch Chamber after attending my first event, where I was welcomed so warmly that I immediately felt at home among the other Dutch people who had also made the move to Sweden. I enjoy meeting new people, and since I already have experience organising events, I was really excited to continue doing that here in Gothenburg. It’s a great way to challenge myself, get to know the city better, and meet the local members. 

I’m looking forward to organising events that I’d love to attend myself as a young professional, fun, engaging gatherings where we can learn something new, relax, and connect. Moving to a new place can be a lot, so it’s great to build those connections together!"


John Klinkhamer: "As a family with a daughter and a son, we always wanted to live abroad for a while. After “nearly” Atlanta, we decided to give Sweden a try. We arrived in 2016 and, after a few moves, settled in beautiful Bohuslän/Uddevalla—where we’re quite sure we’ll stay.
After many years in corporate FMCG leadership (Unilever, Bestfoods, Quaker Oats, and Coca-Cola) across commercial and general management roles, we started our own ventures. Today I help companies grow commercially while also building businesses of our own—among them for example a sustainable seaweed company (www.seaweedfoodsolutions.com). And...we’re always open to exploring new investments in Swedish FMCG.
I first joined the Dutch Chamber when we arrived in Sweden. But extensive travel meant I had to miss too many events. In 2025 I saw the opening for Regional Director Gothenburg, which immediately appealed to me. A chance to expand my Swedish network, contribute to a vibrant program, and keep sharpening my professional skills—while enjoying the social side that makes our community special.
As Regional Director, I see it as my role and responsibility to facilitate our members and deliver an engaging calendar—events that make it worthwhile to become, be, and remain a member. Don’t hesitate to reach out!"
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Saskia Duursema:
"Two years ago, my Swedish partner and I made the decision to move to Stockholm with our two children. After living together in the centre of Amsterdam for 13 years, we felt it was time for a change and start a new adventure in Sweden. Leaving wonderful Amsterdam behind and starting over with a 10- and 12-year-old was quite a challenge, but we decided to go for it — and looking back now, I’m so glad we did.

A few months after our move, I joined the Dutch Chamber, and I was struck by how welcome I felt from the very beginning. It truly is a nice feeling to experience a sense of home while living abroad and meeting so many new and inspiring people. After two intense – yet wonderful – years, the time felt right to take on a new challenge. I’m therefore excited to begin this next chapter as Regional Director of Stockholm. I look forward to working with the team to organise inspiring corporate events and company visits, and to continue strengthening the Chamber’s role as a platform where people can connect, share experiences, build cross-border relationships and of course have fun!

I’m truly excited to be part of this journey and to contribute to supporting our Dutch community in Stockholm!"

Lisa Le Feber:
"A bit about myself and my connection to Sweden: in 2020 I met my Swedish partner while living in New York. After spending a few years there together we moved back to Europe. For a while we travelled back and forth between Amsterdam and Stockholm, and last summer we decided to settle in Stockholm. It has been a new adventure getting to know the city, exploring Sweden, and learning more about the culture. As the colder months arrive, I look forward to enjoying some of my favorite winter activities like ice skating and skiing, now a bit closer to home. I currently work as a lawyer with an international focus within a global organization. Since moving to Stockholm, I love to connect with professionals here, exchange experiences, and learn more about working life in Sweden.
 
During the time I was travelling between Amsterdam and Stockholm, I met a board member of the Dutch Chamber who invited me to join some of the Chamber’s events. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people I met. When I moved to Stockholm, I decided it would be a great opportunity to become more actively involved. I think it’s important to stay connected to the Dutch–Swedish community and to have a network of fellow Dutch people, especially when you’re new to a country.
 
As Regional Director, I look forward to contributing to the Dutch Chamber, hosting events, connecting people, and welcoming new members to the community. My goal is that others will feel just as welcome and connected as I did when I became part of the Dutch Chamber community. Looking forward to meeting many of you soon."

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