KPMG strengthens supervisory board

Accounting and consulting firm KPMG Netherlands is appointing Dirk Jan van den Berg as Chair of its Supervisory Board, effective June 1, 2025. In addition, Barbara Frohn will join the Supervisory Board as a member, effective June 16, 2025.

Stephanie Hottenhuis, CEO and Chair of the Board of Management of KPMG Netherlands: "In a world of rapid geopolitical, economic and technological change, our clients constantly adapt, and so do we. It is of great value for the organization to have experienced Supervisory Board members with such a wealth of knowledge. Dirk Jan has worked at the highest levels in international relations, government, academia and business. Barbara brings an impressive combination of international experience and knowledge of the financial sector, risk management, legislation and corporate governance. We look forward to working together to further grow and develop our organization."

In addition to his current role as chair of the Association of Health Insurance Companies, Van den Berg holds supervisory roles in a variety of sectors. Van den Berg previously held positions within the Dutch diplomatic and civil service, including as secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representative to the United Nations in New York, and as ambassador to China. In academia, he was chair of the Executive Board of Delft University of Technology and CEO of Sanquin. Commenting on his appointment as chair of the KPMG Supervisory Board, Van den Berg said: "It is with pleasure that I accept this assignment. I strive to make a meaningful contribution to the auditor's public service mission and contribute to advice that makes a significant difference to clients. I look forward to a pleasant and effective collaboration with my new colleagues."

Van den Berg is currently non-executive director at the French holding company of Air France. KPMG Netherlands acts as joint auditor of KLM in the Netherlands (an Air France subsidiary) through fiscal year 2025, after which KPMG Netherlands will rotate off in 2026. For the avoidance of any doubt, these positions are legally fully compatible with the Dutch and international independence rules. Further appropriate measures have been taken to avoid any potential perceived conflict of interest among the parties. 

Frohn was a member of the executive team of Citigroup's EMEA region until recently and now holds the position of Head of Regulatory Strategy & Policy. Frohn began her career at ABN AMRO Bank, serving in various commercial and managerial positions. She has also held various positions at Banco Santander in Madrid, including as Managing Director, and worked at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. Barbara Frohn: "Since my first introduction, I have been excited about my role as supervisory director at KPMG. Technological advances and stricter supervisory legislation mean that the organization is constantly evolving. With my experience, I hope to make a positive contribution to the future of KPMG."

Van den Berg succeeds Bernard Wientjes as Chair of the Supervisory Board, who stepped down at the end of his term. Frohn is succeeding Claartje Bulten, who resigned at the end of her term. Linda Hovius, vice chair of the Supervisory Board of KPMG Netherlands, said: "Dirk Jan is a very committed director and supervisor with broad experience. Barbara brings international expertise and experience from the financial sector, which is particularly relevant to KPMG. With the arrival of these two new members, a diverse mix of competencies are well represented within our team of supervisory directors, and we look forward to working together."

The Supervisory Board members of KPMG Netherlands effective June 16:

• Dirk Jan van den Berg (chair)
• Sandra Berendsen
• Barbara Frohn
• Linda Hovius
• Kuldip Singh
• Pascal Visée