Utrecht, 3 June 2025 - Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs, has been appointed new chairman of the Utrecht Talent Alliance (UTA). Van Hooff succeeds Utrecht University of Applied Sciences board chair Wilma Scholte op Reimer. The UTA is the implementing organisation of the Human Capital agenda of the Utrecht region. A 'lifelong development for everyone feasible, accessible and self-evident' is the UTA's task. They do this together with employees, regional representatives of employers in education, care and ICT, governments, knowledge and educational institutions, the UWV, Economic Board Utrecht and ROM Utrecht Region.
Board chairman Hogeschool Utrecht and outgoing chairman of the alliance Wilma Scholte op Reimer: "The Utrecht region has all the ingredients to be a leader in smart and inclusive labour market development. We have a strong knowledge infrastructure, a committed government, and a business community that dares to take responsibility. Jeroen has strong roots in the Utrecht business community, with authority and commitment to the regional labour market. On behalf of the Utrecht Alliance, I am confident that he will take the right steps in further realising a future-oriented workforce".
Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs: "The labour market issue is becoming increasingly urgent, also in the Utrecht region. Finding, retaining and training good staff is a growing challenge, especially in sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, ICT and the manufacturing industry. This calls for future-oriented employment practices and new leadership. From my years of experience at Randstad Group, where I saw daily how crucial it is to connect people and work sustainably, I know how important it is to invest in development. My involvement as a board member at Enactus, an international student network where students create social change through entrepreneurship, has also taught me how powerful collaboration and innovation can be. I look forward to working with UTA's alliance partners to inspire and support organisations in this necessary transition to an inclusive and agile labour market."
Programme coordinator Joyce Oomen: "As CEO of a major employer in the Utrecht region and with his expertise of the labour market, Jeroen will take the Utrecht Talent Alliance a big step further in realising a future-oriented workforce. This ambition is challenging, given the major social challenges. The proportion of older people is increasing, while the number of young people is decreasing, creating an unprecedented tight labour market. The impact of technological developments is changing the world of work at lightning speed. Workers and employers need to continue to develop throughout their lives to keep up and to be able to do more with fewer people. We look forward to working with Jeroen to take this ambition further so that LLO becomes a matter of course for everyone."
More information about the Utrecht Talent Alliance can be found at: www.utrechttalentalliantie.nl
