Ankie van Wersch-Lenders appointed as the new chair of Simavi’s Supervisory Board

Ankie van Wersch-Lenders is the new chair of Simavi’s Supervisory Board. Ankie is CEO of Enviu, a venture builder, aiming to build businesses that have a net positive impact on people and planet. With offices in India, Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia, Enviu has a strong focus on local execution, working with large international foundations in multiyear programs. Ankie is also founder and board member of two foundations that focus on Nepal.

Working together on Simavi’s future

Simavi-director Dieneke van der Wijk is looking forward to work together on Simavi’s future: ‘Ankie brings with her varied experiences and a deep passion and commitment to Simavi’s vision and values.’

‘With Ankie, the Simavi board will be led by an impact-oriented and collaborative personality’, board member Vera Arnoldus adds. ‘Her good cross sector mix of private and foundational knowledge and broad experience and belief in the power of partnerships, will bring value to the organisation.’

Still much work needed

Ankie van Wersch-Lenders calls it a great honour to be part of the impactful organisation that Simavi is. ‘The work that Simavi is doing is of increasing importance with all the climate challenges upcoming. Day 7 of the COP27, a day fully focused on Women and Water has shown the amount of work still needed to progress on SDG6 and the critical role of women and girls in that required progress.’  

Dieneke and Vera express their sincere appreciation to outgoing board chair Michiel de Wilde and to outgoing board member Jeroen Wels. ‘We thank them for their many years of guidance, expertise and involvement, contributing to the goals of Simavi.’