Fred Teeven took on the role of chairman at Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) on December 1, 2024.
The former State Secretary for Security and Justice takes over from Bertho Eckhardt, who recently announced his resignation. In his new role, Teeven will focus on representing the interests of entrepreneurs in passenger transport, with special attention to a realistic transition to sustainable mobility and increasing social support for this crucial sector.
The choice of Fred Teeven, who is widely known as an experienced lawyer and former politician, is remarkable because of his personal affinity with the transport world. As a student, he earned extra money as a taxi driver and later drove as a coach and bus driver at NZH. Until recently, he was still active part-time as a bus driver in Haarlem. Teeven emphasizes the importance of direct contact in passenger transport: “I always really liked the direct contact with passengers. Passenger transport is people's work, and I am happy that I can take this experience with me to my new position. Good service is central to this sector, and I want to fully commit to that.”
versatile driver
His years of experience as a director and his knowledge of the mobility sector make him an excellent choice, according to the KNV. Director Carlo Cahn praises Teeven as a versatile director: “Fred is to the point and his style appeals to entrepreneurs. His experience with The Hague politics is of great value, because government regulations play a decisive role in our sector.”
Teeven was nominated by a trust committee and could count on unanimous support from both KNV Zorgvervoer en Taxi and Busvervoer Nederland. This unanimity underlines the confidence in his leadership and ability to tackle the complex challenges of the sector. One of his biggest tasks will be to realize the transition to a sustainable mobility system, without losing sight of the interests of entrepreneurs.
In addition to his administrative expertise, Teeven brings a pragmatic approach and personal involvement. His experience as a member of the House of Representatives and State Secretary in the Rutte I and II cabinets also gives him a solid insight into the dynamics between government and business.
Unanimous support for Fred Teeven as chairman of passenger transport organisation KNV
Royal Dutch Transport is the umbrella employers' organisation for the Dutch passenger transport sector. KNV includes trade associations such as KNV Zorgvervoer en Taxi, Busvervoer Nederland and KNV Connected Mobility. The national trade association for public transport, OV-NL, has also placed its secretariat with KNV. Together, KNV members represent almost 80% of the Dutch passenger transport market, ranging from taxis and healthcare transport to buses and mobility services.
The organization is also one of the founders of the Mobility Alliance, a partnership that is committed to a future-proof mobility system in the Netherlands. The broad representation of KNV emphasizes the importance of the sector, which plays an essential role in the daily lives of millions of Dutch people.
future vision
With Teeven as the new chairman, KNV is committed to strengthening the sector. His appointment marks a new phase in which realistic sustainability goals and increasing social support are central. According to those involved, Teeven's experience in both the public and private domains offers a solid basis for realizing these ambitions. His pragmatic approach and personal involvement will play a crucial role in this.
