Karien van Gennip

About Karien van Gennip

Karien van Gennip was until July 2024 Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and Deputy Prime Minister. Her focus included purchasing power packages, the labor market package to bring balance to flexibility, the position of labor migrants, integration and naturalization, the new system for childcare, and social stability. Previously, she was CEO of VGZ, the second-largest health insurer in the Netherlands, CEO of ING France, State Secretary for Economic Affairs, and an advisor at McKinsey&Co. She has served as a board member and supervisor for organizations including TomTom, OranjeFonds, INSEAD, International Chamber of Commerce, SOS Children’s Villages, Deltares, and Cordaid. She studied physics and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Karien has a passion for equal opportunities, perspective for the middle class, and social stewardship. She believes in innovation and the power of business to drive change. She has lived and worked in America and France and is committed to international cooperation.

Karien stands out with compelling stories about how things are really going in the Netherlands; about women reaching the top, with tips and insights from her own experience; about the strengths and pitfalls of Europe; and about the importance of collaboration between politics and business, in the community and at work; about social stewardship; and about the significance of the ‘Why’ – the long-term vision of why we do what we do.