AMSTERDAM.- The Stedelijk Museum has named Jacqueline Bongartz (Leiden, 1966) as its new managing director. She takes up the position on 1 December 2019. Together with director Rein Wolfs, Bongartz will be responsible for the museum’s management pursuant to the Articles of Association, with Wolfs as chairman. Jacqueline Bongartz will oversee the day-to-day and business operations of the Stedelijk and will be responsible for the organizational side of the museum.

Jacqueline Bongartz brings more than 25 years of business experience in financial and managerial roles. Recent positions include financial director at Blokker, Ballast Nedam and Vialis, part of VolkerWessels. Previously she was a partner at KPMG where she held various consultancy positions. Her love of modern art led her to become the treasurer of the Dutch Gallery Association for several years.

Truze Lodder, chair of the museum's supervisory board: “In Jacqueline Bongartz we have found an all-round manager, with proven managerial prowess and significant experience as a director, with a knowledge of sectors beyond the cultural arena, which we heartily welcome. As a leader she is warm, dynamic and fair-minded, a great communicator, and understands the mission of the Stedelijk Museum.”

Jacqueline Bongartz: “The Stedelijk has an illustrious history, a fantastic collection and a beautiful building. It is an honour and a privilege to have a chance to work alongside Rein and the team to develop the future course of the Stedelijk and further the museum’s ambitions. I’m looking forward to working with the Stedelijk team to ensure the Stedelijk continues to thrive and remain a relevant institution in the midst of a changing landscape.”

Rein Wolfs, who takes the helm as director of the Stedelijk on 1 December: “I am delighted to be working with Jacqueline and I’m confident that she and our marvellous staff will see to it that the Stedelijk is fit to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

The new managing director was appointed after receiving the approval of the Stedelijk works council, and with the endorsement of the mayor and aldermen. Alderman Meliani (Art and Culture) says: “I am happy with the appointment of Jacqueline Bongartz. With her arrival, the management of the Stedelijk Museum is both artistically and commercially complete. I am looking forward to a pleasant cooperation.”