After a six-year tenure, Ron Voskuilen will step down as General Director following the upcoming CHIO Rotterdam. Carolien Lavooij-Verheul will combine her role as Chair of the Board with the position of Director of the CHIO Rotterdam Foundation. This move aligns with the strategy to organize CHIO more efficiently. Ron will remain involved behind the scenes for a while to help finalize several organizational adjustments.
Over the past six years, Ron Voskuilen has led CHIO Rotterdam through the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. Under his leadership, CHIO Rotterdam has reached a higher sporting level, including its admission to the exclusive Longines League of Nations™.
Ron also oversaw changes to the event's setup that enhanced the stadium experience for riders, visitors, and sponsors alike. The move toward appointing a Director-Chair aligns with the goal of organizing the event more efficiently in a time when costs are rising and sponsorship is no longer a given.
"We are incredibly grateful to Ron for the decisive and innovative steps he has taken in recent years," says Carolien Lavooij. "The events industry has gone through turbulent times, and top-level equestrian sport is evolving as well. Ron was a tremendous help during the COVID crisis and has since taken important steps to make the event future-proof."
Sporting Director Patrick van der Meer adds: "In recent years, sport has clearly regained its central place at CHIO Rotterdam. With a top-tier program, a strong field of participants, and high praise from riders, owners, and chefs d’équipe alike, I am very grateful to Ron for that."
