Accountancy Europe has named Eelco van der Enden as its new Chief Executive. He will join the organisation as from January 2025. The appointment follows a thorough CEO search process, led by current President Mark Vaessen with the support of a CEO selection committee and the executive search firm Mavence.
Eelco van der Enden will succeed Olivier Boutellis-Taft who will step down after 18 years leading the organisation to focus on North Star Transition, an organisation he co-created as a response to the climate, biodiversity and social crises.
President Mark Vaessen said: “Eelco has extensive leadership experience in an international setting and is used to working in the public interest, most recently as CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative. He knows the profession and Accountancy Europe well, having been the chair of our Tax Policy Group for many years, helping transform the profession’s approach to tax transparency and ethics. We know Eelco as a consensus builder with an inclusive leadership style. I am sure he will continue to build on the strength of our excellent team in Brussels to serve our Member Bodies in the best possible way.”
On the outgoing CEO, Mark continued: “I want to pay tribute to Olivier for his 18 years at the helm of Accountancy Europe. With his vision, drive and leadership, he has genuinely transformed Accountancy Europe into the highly respected voice for the profession it is today, both in Europe and internationally. Olivier leaves as his legacy a healthy organisation with a fantastic team. We will continue to make sure that the European profession adds value wherever it can, with thought-leadership and constructive contributions to the debates, whether that is on corporate reporting, corporate governance, assurance, tax or the digital agenda.”
Eelco brings over 35 years of experience in business and civil society organisations. He previously headed PwC’s Global ESG Platform for Tax, Legal, People & Organization Services and has held several senior positions in publicly listed companies, including roles as Head of Treasury, Risk Management, and Tax. Most recently, Eelco served as chief executive officer of the Global Reporting Initiative where he led the organisation through groundbreaking changes in sustainability reporting.
Commenting on the search process, Vice-President Shauna Greely and member of the CEO selection committee said: “We conducted an extensive and robust search process with the help of Mavence. We were impressed with the calibre and quality of the candidates we interviewed. I am very pleased that the Board unanimously agreed that Eelco was the best candidate for the job.”
Deputy-President Jens Poll added: “I am greatly looking forward to working with Eelco in my upcoming two-year term. I am certain that this seamless succession in fast-changing times will enable us as an organisation to master challenges and seize opportunities together.”
Olivier declared: “I am delighted that Eelco is taking over. I know him well and I am convinced he brings the perfect leadership, vision and management style to Accountancy Europe.”
On his appointment, Eelco commented: “I am honoured to join Accountancy Europe, a highly regarded organisation I have known for many years. With the great team of professionals and the legacy left by Olivier, I am confident that we will continue to add significant value to the profession, business, and society. The changes unfolding in Europe and around the world present both challenges and exciting opportunities. I eagerly look forward to working and engaging with all of you.”
For more information, please contact Nha Vy Nguyen, Head of Communications, at: [email protected].
