Mariska Zeeman appointed managing director of Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland
Mariska Zeeman appointed managing director of Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland
From June 1, 2026, Mariska Zeeman will join Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland as managing director on a permanent basis. Zeeman has served as interim director since November 2025, following the departure of Yvonne Watzdorf.
During the interim period, she continued the existing strategy and quickly found her footing in the world of growers, traders and industry partners. Her approach and leadership gave the supervisory board the confidence that she is the right person to lead the foundation on a structural basis.
“Over the past period, we have seen how Zeeman brings people together in a natural and effortless way,” said Jack Goossens, acting chair of the supervisory board. “She listens, engages in dialogue and builds trust — within the organization and with all parties across the industry. In a sector where stakeholders approach developments from different perspectives, yet all feel a shared commitment to its future, Zeeman has a remarkable ability to connect those conversations in a positive and constructive way. That gives the supervisory board full confidence that Zeeman can take PFFH forward, together with the sector.”
Zeeman said: “I am honored by this trust and look forward to continuing to build PFFH together with the team. We represent a strong industry that can be even more visible and proud of what it stands for. By working closely with growers, traders and partners, and by proactively telling the honest, positive story about flowers and plants, we can show the true value and strength of our sector.”
In the period ahead, Zeeman will focus on implementing the strategy, professionalizing the organization and broadening support among growers and traders. The General Binding Declaration — a statutory industry-wide levy scheme that PFFH administers on behalf of BO Sierteelt — runs until December 2027. This autumn, an application for a new GBD will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.
