Wouter Kolk, former CEO Europe & Indonesia at Ahold Delhaize and previously CEO of Albert Heijn, contributes deep experience in leading and transforming large international organizations. Today he serves as a board member and advisor, offering a strategic perspective on leadership, growth and long-term value creation.
Jeanine Tijhaar, former CFO of Eneco, brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience at organizations including Eneco, AkzoNobel and DSM. She is widely recognized for promoting a broader definition of value creation, where financial performance goes hand in hand with ESG, governance and cultural transformation.
Dennis Vink, Professor of Finance at Nyenrode Business University and Visiting Professor at Antwerp Management School. He has collaborated on research with Princeton and Yale and has published papers with the European Central Bank and De Nederlandsche Bank. He also advises public and private organizations on complex financing issues. Dennis is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Together, the jury combines academic insight, CFO leadership and global boardroom experience to evaluate this year’s candidates and select the finance leader who truly stands out.
Evaluation criteria
The award is not solely based on financial results, but also on the broader strategic role of the CFO within the organization. The jury evaluates candidates based on the following criteria:
• Financial leadership & performance
Demonstrates strong financial stewardship and delivers sustainable value creation in a complex and dynamic business environment.
• Strategic impact
Plays a key role in the strategic direction of the organization and contributes to decisions around growth, investments, and transformation.
• Leadership & people development
Builds and develops high-performing finance teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and talent development to be future-ready.
• Governance, risk & integrity
Ensures strong governance, transparent reporting, and sound risk management while safeguarding integrity and trust.
• Transformation & innovation
Drives innovation within the finance function and the wider organization through technology, data, and new ways of working.
• Societal impact & sustainability
Integrates long-term value creation, sustainability, and broader stakeholder interests into financial decision-making.
• Personal profile & role model
Acts as an inspiring leader and visible ambassador for the finance profession, both within the organization and externally.
