Robin de Lange

About Robin de Lange

Robin de Lange can rightly be called a practical idealist. As the director of Ouwehands Dierenpark in Rhenen, which became world-famous with the arrival of the giant pandas in 2017, he works daily at the intersection of commerce and ideals. “Love for nature” is the goal, and the commercial exploitation of the nature park is the means. Passion and idealism go hand in hand with realism and results.

Robin began his career – after studying communication in Utrecht – at Attractiepark Duinrell in Wassenaar. As Marketing Manager, he learned the ropes in the commercial world of Leisure and hospitality. After nearly seven years, he made the transition to Ouwehands Dierenpark, owned by the well-known entrepreneur Marcel Boekhoorn. As the director of this organization, he was able to apply his commercial knowledge and experience in the Leisure industry for a better world. His ideas about conservation, awareness, and sustainability, and the role commerce can play in the development of people and society, have further developed here.

Over the past 15 years, Ouwehands Dierenpark has been transformed from an almost bankrupt zoo into one of the largest and most successful zoos in the Netherlands. Distinctive product development and an effective marketing approach were key words for this. Additionally, acquiring two Chinese giant pandas was world news. Robin traveled to China many times over 15 years to finally reach an agreement with the Chinese. The loan agreement was signed in 2016 in Beijing in the presence of Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and King Willem Alexander.

Robin can speak in an enthusiastic and inspiring manner. His story is about entrepreneurship, motivation, marketing, perseverance, international business, sustainability, and realizing a dream in China.