After a successful year as interim director, Wouter Hakhoff has been appointed by the Supervisory Board and
Supervisory Board appointed as permanent director-manager of Willemsoord BV and Stichting
Heritage Den Helder. The municipality of Den Helder, as a shareholder, has approved this appointment
enthusiasm confirmed.
Clear course
During his interim period, Hakhoff has made significant progress with the organizations. He
not only provided stability and focus, but also set a clear course for the future.
In addition, one of his most important achievements was restoring confidence in the
staff and various stakeholders. With this he laid a solid foundation for a healthy
future of both the organisations and the heritage in Den Helder.
Solid foundation
In close cooperation with the municipality, Hakhoff has made an important contribution over the past year
contributed to the further development of both organizations. Where Willemsoord BV will focus more
The Heritage Foundation Den will focus on managing, maintaining and cherishing heritage
Clearly focus on further development. Clear agreements about responsibilities and tasks.
and plans from all those involved in the heritage are of essential importance.
Hakhoff emphasizes that this solid foundation is essential before further future plans are made.
rolled out. His transparent communication style with all stakeholders, from employees to politicians,
has generated broad support for this new course.
Vision
In his role as managing director, Hakhoff explicitly focuses on people, collaboration and
professionalism. He considers the employees as the heart of the organization, while the tenants
and volunteers are the soul of Den Helder's unique heritage. His approach is characterized
through open communication and connecting different stakeholders.
Future perspective
“I accept this role with great enthusiasm and deep commitment,” Hakhoff explains. “By
investing in our people, we invest in the future of our organization and the heritage of
Den Helder. My main ambition is to give our employees the space and resources to
to deliver excellent work. Heritage is our living time machine that conveys stories, traditions and identity
connects between generations, and deserves our careful protection and passion.”
With this appointment, the organizations are taking an important step in further professionalization.
Municipality Den Helder
The municipality of Den Helder, as a shareholder, is pleased with the appointment of a new managing director. Alderman Niels Nanning: "With this appointment, we are taking an important step together."
in realizing our shared ambitions for the future. We look forward to
a constructive and fruitful collaboration.”
About Wouter Hakhoff
After a long and rich career as a performing musician (conducting/trumpet) and organizer of various
events and festivals, Wouter has developed into a manager over the past ten years and
manager in the cultural sector and (national) politics. From 2016 to 2022 he worked as
director at Boedijn music school in Hoorn. In collaboration with staff and politicians, he managed to
to get the organization back on track from a deep valley. After that he worked as an interim consultant
and a pioneer in the cultural sector. From January 2024, he will be involved as interim director
(later also director) of the heritage organisations Willemsoord BV and Stichting Erfgoed Den Helder.
He is also on the national board of GroenLinks and is responsible for the
portfolios of personnel and organization, social security and organizational developments.
This multiple background in culture, politics and organizations has ensured that
Wouter has unique qualities and visions in the field of leadership, collaboration and
organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/decultuurfluisteraar-wouterhakhoff/
Willemsoord BV and Heritage Foundation Den Helder
Willemsoord BV and Stichting Erfgoed Den Helder are currently focusing on maintenance,
conservation and management of part of the heritage in Den Helder. This includes part of the
Willemsoord area, Fort Kijkduin, Atlantic Wall Center, Fort Westoever, Fort Oostoever, a
part of Fort Dirksz Admiraal, Fort Harssens and a number of bunkers
