From 1 January 2026, Steve Kuils will be the new director of Waardlanden. He succeeds Jürgen Rau, who is stepping down as interim director after two years.
Since 2024, Jürgen Rau held the position of interim managing director. During this period, he led the introduction of the recycling tariff, an extensive task that called for strong organisational leadership. In doing so, he focused on necessary strengthening and professionalisation of the organisation, working intensively with municipalities and partners.
Jürgen Rau: "I look back with great satisfaction, but above all with great pleasure, on an intensive and valuable period in which we made great strides: introducing the recycling tariff and strengthening the organisation. Waardlanden is ready for a new phase and I hand over the baton with great confidence."
New director
The search for a new, permanent director for Waardlanden has been ongoing over the past period. After a careful selection procedure, the board found the right candidate in Steve Kuils. His background and experience fit well with Waardlanden's course and social tasks. Kuils brings broad expertise in complex change challenges and the sustainable strengthening of organisations. Steve Kuils: "I am very proud to start working at Waardlanden. I see not coming from the waste sector as a valuable addition. My extensive experience with operational organisations helps me to take a fresh look at issues and connect quickly. I look forward to working with colleagues, municipalities and partners to build on the strong foundation that is now in place, and to look forward confidently to a sustainable future."
Waardlanden board looks forward to cooperation
The board is looking forward to working with Steve Kuils. According to alderman Arco Bikker, chairman of the Waardlanden board and Molenlanden municipality alderman, Kuils is an excellent fit for today's organisation and the challenges it faces. Bikker: "We are extremely pleased that Steve Kuils will be joining Waardlanden with his energy and experience. With his very approachable and pleasant personality, he connects in a natural way. That is important in an organisation where you need to be able to steer strategically, but also stay close to the field. We are confident that he will fulfil this role with conviction."