The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) has announced the appointment of Huib van Walsem as its new Chief Executive Officer. The decision was confirmed at the KNCB's Annual General Meeting held on December 13, with van Walsem set to assume office on March 1, 2026.
Van Walsem, 62, will succeed Lucas Hendrikse, who has been serving as interim CEO.
Strong Business and Leadership Background
Huib van Walsem brings with him a diverse professional background spanning international business, coaching, philanthropy, and volunteering. Over the course of his corporate career, he held senior management roles at global companies such as Coca-Cola, Mattel, and Young & Rubicam. His responsibilities included marketing and sales, sponsorship strategy, financial management, and building and leading
organisations across multiple regions, including Eastern Europe.
In recent years, van Walsem has focused on coaching and mentoring roles, working as a study choice advisor at Kieswijs and as a career counsellor. Alongside this, he has remained deeply engaged in social causes through volunteer work with Zuidermarkt and WarChild.
Deep Roots in Dutch Cricket
Beyond his corporate credentials, van Walsem is a well-known figure within Dutch cricket circles. He previously served as chairman of Rood en Wit Cricket Club in Haarlem, where he worked closely with the KNCB on governance matters and led a major relocation and fundraising initiative for new facilities. His work involved close coordination with municipalities, clubs, and commercial partners, further strengthening his expertise in sports governance and community development.
As a player, van Walsem represented several clubs, including CC Groningen, Kon. UD, Bloemendaal, and MCC Medan, in addition to his long-standing association with Rood en Wit. He remains actively involved in grassroots cricket initiatives such as the Flamingos-organisers of the 100th Anniversary Flamingo Junior Tournament in 2025-and The Fellowship of Fairly Odd Places (FFOP).
In 2014, he also co-founded the Halfway Trophy alongside ACC, VRA, Bloemendaal, and Rood en Wit, creating a midweek T20 competition aimed at re-engaging former players and introducing newcomers to the sport.
Vision for Dutch Cricket
Reacting to his appointment, van Walsem emphasised the personal significance cricket holds for him and his commitment to the sport's future in the Netherlands.
"Cricket has significantly shaped my life. It's no coincidence that the saying goes, 'A friend in cricket is a friend for life. ' For me, the sport represents connection, perseverance, and a shared goal," van Walsem said. "I feel strongly about the KNCB's ambition to further professionalise and grow cricket in the Netherlands, and I look forward to building a strong, future-proof organisation together with the board, the national team office, clubs, and volunteers. "
Confidence from the KNCB Board
KNCB chairman Guido Landheer welcomed the appointment, highlighting van Walsem's balanced profile.
"With Huib van Walsem, we are bringing in a CEO who combines strategic and financial expertise with a genuine commitment to the sport and the cricket community," Landheer said. "His experience across the business, non-profit, and sports sectors is an excellent fit for where the KNCB is today. "
Looking Ahead
With van Walsem at the helm, the KNCB aims to strengthen its organisational effectiveness, maintain robust financial governance, and enhance the visibility and social value of cricket across the Netherlands. His appointment signals a renewed focus on sustainable growth, community engagement, and professionalisation as Dutch cricket enters its next phase.
