The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced the appointment of Robert de Groot to its management committee, following a decision by its shareholders, the EU member states. Nominated by the Netherlands, he will succeed the current vice president, Kris Peeters, on 1 February 2024.

De Groot is coming to the EIB from the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs, where he has held various positions since 1988. Between 1998 and 2002, he was adviser on European affairs to the Dutch prime minister Wim Kok. He was director general for European Cooperation at the ministry of foreign affairs before becoming its permanent representative from the Netherlands to the EU in 2017. An economist by training, de Groot holds a master’s degree from Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

“A seasoned diplomat with deep knowledge of EU affairs, Robert de Groot will further strengthen the EIB’s leadership team,” commented EIB president . “As we chart the bank’s future for the years ahead, engagement with our shareholders and stakeholders in the EU institutions is a key priority. I am glad to welcome a colleague with such breadth of expertise in this area.”

“From supporting innovation and boosting competitiveness to financing a just transition to climate neutrality, EIB financing can direct investment where it’s needed the most,” said de Groot. “I look forward to working together with President Calviño and fellow members of the management committee to help steer the bank’s activities for the benefit of our businesses and households, the European economy and our partners around the world.”

The EIB is the EU’s long-term financing institution. It provides financing for high-quality investment that furthers the EU’s policy objectives, and works in close cooperation with other EU institutions to advance common strategic priorities, notably competitiveness, innovation, fair growth and a fair and rapid transition to climate neutrality.

This article in Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.