Peter Blom, CEO & Chairman of the Executive Board of Triodos Bank said: “As Triodos Bank is pursuing its mission to make money work for positive social, environmental and cultural change, there is an increasing need to gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic context in which the bank is operating. As our Chief Economist, Kees Vendrik will be well positioned to stimulate the dialogue about finance and sustainability; and the changing economic and financial paradigm in a shifting political landscape. I am pleased to welcome Kees to our organisation and look forward to his contribution in raising the bar of our involvement in the public debate and as a sparring partner for the Executive Board and the business.”

The role of Chief Economist is newly created and will be focused on providing insight and a point of view on economic developments relevant to Triodos Bank and the ‘theory of change’ of an inclusive approach regarding sustainability and human dignity which Triodos is pursuing. Providing in-depth knowledge of the social, political and macro-economic context of the countries in which Triodos has an operation or has activities will be a key responsibility, as well as maintaining contacts with the political and academic world, both on a national and an international level.

The Chief Economist will report to the Executive Board.

Prior to his appointment, Kees Vendrik was Board member and Vice-President of the Netherlands Court of Audit (Dutch: “Algemene Rekenkamer”), a role which he occupied since 15 April 2011.