PHILIPSBURG:--- In a significant move to address ongoing challenges and ensure robust leadership, the Council of Ministers has finalized several key appointments for two of the country’s critical organizations: Telem, the government-owned telecommunication company, and NV GEBE, the utility company. These appointments aim to bolster the supervisory and executive leadership of both entities, ensuring their continued operations and growth amid current challenges.
Telem: Strengthening the Supervisory Board
The Council of Ministers has appointed three new members to Telem’s Supervisory Board of Directors. This decision comes at a crucial time as the telecommunication company navigates a series of challenges. The appointments were made with a focus on financial expertise, economic acumen, and telecommunication experience to ensure the board is well-equipped to guide the organization forward.
The newly appointed members of Telem’s Supervisory Board are:
- Mrs. Natasja van den Berg
- Mrs. Jennifer Mohamed Jonis
- Mrs. Maria Gonzalez
These individuals were selected for their strong financial backgrounds and relevant industry experience, ensuring that Telem benefits from capable, strategic leadership. The government emphasized the importance of a supervisory board to effectively oversee the company’s operations and provide guidance during this critical period.
Additionally, it was announced that a current Telem board member will resign in June 2026. To ensure a seamless transition, one of the newly appointed members will assume the role of board chair, further solidifying the leadership structure.
GEBE: Progress in C-Level Appointments
The government also provided updates on the leadership appointments for NV GEBE, the utility company. The process of appointing C-level executives has been ongoing, in recent months. These appointments are critical to addressing the operational and managerial challenges faced by the company.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Appointment
The resolution appointing the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeffreyson Paris, has been signed and transmitted to the Supervisory Board of Directors. The newly appointed COO was selected from the pool of candidates who passed the final round of the recruitment process. This decision was made to avoid further delays and ensure the company has the leadership it needs to navigate its challenges.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Appointment
The process to finalize the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is also underway. The candidate, Wilco Seinen, for this position was duly selected and presented to the shareholders through the binding nomination procedure. The CFO nominee has already been engaged as a financial consultant to the company, ensuring continuity in financial management while the formal appointment process is completed.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Position
The CEO position has faced unique challenges. The preferred candidate for the role, Mr. Troy Washington, tragically passed away before his appointment could be finalized. Following his passing, the Supervisory Board appointed a temporary manager,
Thomas Roggendorf, who is currently overseeing the company’s operations. The temporary manager was originally the second binding nominee for the CEO position.
The government clarified that the process of appointing a permanent CEO is ongoing. The Supervisory Board had initially submitted two binding nominees for the CEO position, but one candidate withdrew, leaving the temporary manager as the acting leader. The government emphasized the importance of adhering to the articles of incorporation, which require the Supervisory Board to submit two binding nominees for each C-level position.
Supervisory Board of Directors
The Supervisory Board of Directors for GEBE currently consists of three members, with the term of one member nearing its expiration. To ensure compliance with the articles of incorporation, which mandate a minimum of three members, the government has identified and screened four candidates for appointment to the board. A draft resolution concerning their appointment will be circulated in the coming week for an advisory vote by the existing Supervisory Board members and the temporary manager.
The Corporate Governance Council has already provided positive advice on the appointments; the final steps are obtaining the advisory vote and completing the formal appointment process.
Commitment to Due Process
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Maricelina emphasized that the appointments to GEBE’s C-level positions and to the Supervisory Board are the result of a process initiated before his administration took office in May 2024. The government has respected the decisions and procedures established by the previous administration to ensure transparency and continuity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that members of the current Supervisory Board were involved in the selection committee that identified and selected candidates for the respective C-level positions. This underscores the collaborative and procedural approach taken to ensure the best candidates are appointed.
Conclusion
The appointments for Telem and GEBE mark a significant step forward in addressing the leadership gaps and challenges faced by these critical organizations. With experienced professionals now in place or in the process of being appointed, the government aims to ensure stability, strategic oversight, and effective management for both entities.
These developments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and ensuring they are equipped to serve the nation effectively. As the final steps in the appointment processes are completed, the focus will remain on fostering strong leadership to guide Telem and GEBE through their respective challenges and into a sustainable future.
