NIMD’s Supervisory Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Thijs Berman as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Berman brings to NIMD more than 30 years of experience in media, politics and development. Most recently, he served as principal advisor of the OSCE representative on freedom of the media in Vienna. As a former MEP, he also sat on several committees, including the Committee on Development and Subcommittee on Human Rights.

Berman says he is honoured to take-up the position of Executive Director of NIMD:

“I am committed to make a meaningful contribution to peace and stability by fostering dialogue and inclusive politics. I strongly believe in pluriform societies and in finding consensual solutions for contentious issues.”

Berman began his career as a journalist working as a radio correspondent in Paris and Moscow, among other countries, He then became a Member of the European Parliament for the Dutch Labour Party, as well as taking up the role of Chair of the Dutch social democratic delegation in Brussels. Berman has also headed several European election observation missions to Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Senegal, and worked as team leader of a European election support programme in the Central African Republic.

Eimert van Middelkoop, Chair of the Supervisory Council:

“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Berman to NIMD and look forward to working with him. His vast and varied experience in the political field, as well as his clear leadership skills and commitment, will be fundamental elements in consolidating NIMD’s work and steering the organization forward.”

NIMD will welcome Thijs Berman to the team in February 2019.