Who we are

Maaike van Hooidonk

Co-CEO

My expertise and focus is mainly public affairs and stakeholder management. I have ample experience with the lobby in The Hague, but also with advocacy at regional and local levels. I like to switch between strategic choices, contemporary issues that arise and hands-on support. I am passionate and work side-by-side with my clients throughout the process. I am also passionate about intelligence questions, data driven public affairs and the development of IT tools for ambitious public affairs professionals. For example, together with colleague Mark van den Anker I developed our successful Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM) and I bear the responsibility for the further development and growth of the SIM. Representing Wepublic, I am also involved in our international Interel network.

Previously, I worked as a public affairs advisor at Schiphol Group and as a consultant at Berenschot and EPPA Politiek & Lobby Consultants. I have also been working for the VVD for years, at both local and national level.

In my spare time I enjoy sports (running, crossfit, strength training), surfing, reading and dinners and drinks with family and friends. I can cook quite nicely and I also really enjoy eating out. I have two daughters with whom I like to go out to museums and theaters or explore the outdoors.

Mark van den Anker

Co-CEO

I love working on complex issues in the field of public affairs and stakeholder management by helping to make it concrete and to just do it. I gladly assist clients in supporting and developing public affairs strategies, which we then jointly implement. By making the representation of interests and lobby concrete and tangible, I show how they can contribute to the objectives of the organization. I am passionate and work closely with my clients throughout the process. My working method is characterized by a ‘hands-on’ and a thorough approach combined with humor and perspective.

I am enthusiastic about asking questions regarding intelligence, data driven public affairs and developing IT tools that can be of added value in our field. Together with my colleague Maaike van Hooidonk I developed our successful Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM) and I bear the responsibility for the further development and growth of the SIM.

The future of our field will, in my view, be based more on the use of data and IT applications.

Maurice Jansen

Managing director

Strengthening the position of organizations and contributing to their ambitions with good communication- and brand management, that is what I enjoy doing professionally. The more complex the issues, the more energy is released. I find it interesting to see how a reputation can be influenced and how a brand can develop.

Clear profiling choices provide direction for the organization, offer employees clarity and strengthen the interaction with the environment. Today’s organizations are shaped by and respond to social and political developments. This often requires a clearer profile or a different profile. With a good analysis and the necessary creativity, I like to clarify the corporate story and the driving and restraining forces, and facilitate change. Through my experience as a consultant for Porter Novelli and as communications director at Albert Heijn, I can help clients realize demonstrable results.

I like to run and travel, preferably to Italy. Architecture and design have my warm interest. They also come back in my love for renovation, in which I spend many hours in my free time.

Gijs Petter

Director Intelligence

At Wepublic I am responsible for the Intelligence tools. I make sure that our team of consultants keeps you up to date on all relevant political and social developments with the Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM).

I gained the necessary experience in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands but also in the public affairs sector. I see myself as an all-round and involved consultant, familiar with many sectors and quickly informed and aware of (political) sensitivities.

Besides the above, I like to cook and to play field hockey, and I listen to (almost) all political podcasts.

Marco Kortleve

Director

I have comprehensive experience with policy and strategy: in national politics as a political advisor, at two multinationals in healthcare, and as an (independent) advisor on public affairs and strategic communication. Besides, I am experienced in association management, both in a supportive and in an ultimately responsible, administrative role.

I get satisfaction from identifying and putting relevant topics on the agenda and initiating and leading discussions. I like to bring complex projects to a successful conclusion together with others. I am analytically strong, very eloquent and resistant to stress. I am happy to support you with my experience, interests and skills.

I live in The Hague, I am married to Lizette and together we have two daughters and a dog. In my spare time, I like to linger at our beautiful Dutch coast for some cycling, walking and running. I am a great fan of podcasts and I like to read books and regularly do odd jobs at our house.

Robin Beentjes

Senior advisor

As a consultant at Wepublic, I mainly focus on public affairs, stakeholder management and the monitoring of social and political developments. I like to perceive things from different perspectives and try to look for solutions in a positive way. After living in Barcelona for a year, I did a bachelor’s program in European Studies and a Master’s in International and European Law in Amsterdam. During my study I worked for six months on the international campaign for a seat in the UN Security Council at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was involved in Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland and I tried to learn Arabic.

In my spare time I like running, I play Footy (a modern form of football where you play five against five) and I like to buy books – but have a hard time finding time to read them.

Jonathan Seib

Product Owner Intelligence

Roel Dijkstra

Advisor

I get a lot of energy from connecting topics, people and organizations. I do this in the playing field between organizations and the public administration. At Wepublic I focus on public affairs and political monitoring. I help customers interpret the political field of influence. As a born Groninger, Wepublic’s no-nonsense mentality fits me very well.

During my studies, I have researched the reputation of the Communication and Information Sciences course at the University of Groningen. I served as a board member of my study association and later held a position on its advisory board. I also worked as an account manager for tech start-up Movit Sport. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Communication, Policy & Management at Utrecht University. I am currently writing my thesis at Wepublic, on the changing and future role of the CCO.

My current base is Utrecht, where I live in an old Frisian bakery. In my spare time I play tennis at TC de Uithof. I am always up for a nostalgic game of Mario Kart on an old-school Nintendo GameCube.

Nils Dalmeijer

Advisor

As public affairs advisor at Wepublic, I am involved in monitoring societal and political developments. In addition, I advise clients on matters in public affairs and stakeholder management. I enjoy working together with clients towards the right solution and like to immerse myself in the context of the assignment.

Before my current position, I worked as a consultant in the field of cyber security and crisis management. Next to my work, I am politically active for D66 in Leiden and I am a board member of the Young Alumni Network of Leiden University. At this university, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Crisis and Security Management. I also lived, studied and enjoyed diving in Cyprus for a while. In my spare time I like to play tennis, play the piano or cook a delicious, extensive meal.

Melissa Veenstra

Advisor

As a Public Affairs consultant I advise clients in the field of Public Affairs, stakeholder management and advocacy. I like complex matters where many interests come together. This gives me a lot of energy. I am also active on the board of Jong BVPA in which I am committed to stimulate a network of young lobbyists by organizing various activities.

I consider politics to be my biggest hobby. During my master’s in public affairs at Leiden University, I worked as a teacher at ProDemos where I was able to learn students more about the functioning of Dutch politics and democracy through a program and a tour of the ‘Binnenhof’.

I previously worked at wepublic as a junior advisor, where I mainly focused on identifying, selecting and analyzing political and social developments. In addition to politics, I like to do CrossFit, go to a museum or read a book.

Annemijn Cassée

Advisor

As junior advisor public affairs at Wepublic, I monitor societal and political developments and translate relevant issues to our clients. Also, I advise clients on matters in public affairs and stakeholder management. Analyzing complex societal issues and working towards concrete solutions is what gets me energized in this work.

I have a bachelor degree in Bèta-gamma with the majors’ neurobiology and international development studies at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and a master degree in Management, Policy-Analaysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences. Before Wepublic, I worked for MVO Nederland and The Permanent Representation in Rome. This governmental organization represents the Netherlands in the three Rome-based UN agencies for food and agriculture (FAO, IFAD and WFP)

In my spare time, I like to exercise, preferably outside. I also frequently try to cook culinary dishes, with mixed results. Finally, I have a passion for Italy and am currently learning the language.

Philip Breitenstein

Head of Operations

As a public affairs advisor at Wepublic, I am involved in monitoring the political developments in the Netherlands. With the knowledge acquired through my everyday experience I advise to and advocate for clients in the areas of stakeholder management and their specific interests.

Before my current position my passion for politics and development led myself to follow the bachelor’s in History at the University of Utrecht. After completing this bachelor my focus began to lie on the connection between the Netherlands and the global community. Therefor I choose to expand my studies with the master’s in Modern Middle Eastern Studies. During the process of finishing my master thesis I worked as a data-analyst at an upcoming start-up company located in Amsterdam.

Outside of the office I read political philosophy and try to stay fit through kickboxing several nights a week.

Daan Ravesloot

Junior Advisor

My work as a junior advisor public affairs is focused on monitoring and analyzing political and social developments.

My interest in politics made me start the bachelor Political Science: International Relations and Organizations at the University Leiden. After that, I completed the master public affairs at the same university. For my master thesis I was able to combine the knowledge of both studies with a research at the Peace Palace.

In my spare time, I love to listen to a political podcast or read a political biography. Furthermore, I am a movie-fanatic, so I am always in for a well-written thriller in the cinema’s.

Remco López Antezana

Junior Advisor

As a junior advisor public affairs, my work focusses mainly on monitoring and analyzing political and societal developments for our clients.

Due to my societal interest and my keen passion for fighting against injustice I decided to pursue a Bachelor in both Political Science (International Relations) and in Law at the University of Leiden, followed by a Master in Public International Law. During this timeperiod I was also active in the national board of the political youth party of the Dutch Greens and I worked for two years at the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights as a PA employee.

During my personal time I very much like to enjoy a glass of red wine, working out at the gym and beating my family and friends in board games. (Aside from playing out Netflix).

Wessel Luken

Junior Advisor

As a junior advisor at Wepublic, I ensure that clients are and remain up to date on relevant political and social developments. I also advise clients in the areas of stakeholder management, advocacy and public affairs.

With a strong interest in politics and society, I completed the Bachelor and Master  Political Science at Radboud University Nijmegen. During my studies I participated in the Radboud Honours Academy and gained work experience at Daadkracht, the Dutch Embassy in Bulgaria and Issuemakers. I was also active within my study association.

In my spare time I like to go on city trips, try out new recipes (with varying success) and listen to podcasts. I am also passionate about films and have a weakness for the classics.

Robin Zwemmer

Junior Advisor

As a Junior Public Affairs Advisor at Wepublic I provide our clients advise about stakeholder management and public affairs. Moreover, I make sure that our clients receive relevant political and societal developments. Prior to this position I worked as an Intelligence Specialist at Wepublic for two years.

Driven by my passion for public affairs I finished the master Management of the Public Sector at the University of Leiden in The Hague. With my background in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam I specialize in European interests.

In addition to my work at Wepublic, I am active for D66 as a committee member in the municipality of Haarlem. Furthermore, I like to be on the beach in Zandvoort, I speak Spanish, I like cooking and exercising outside.

Anouk Verhaegh

Intelligence Specialist

As an Intelligence Specialist, I monitor social and political developments for our clients. I am doing this alongside a master’s degree in Public Administration with a specialisation in Public Management and Leadership at Leiden University. In 2022, I completed my Political Science bachelor at the University of Amsterdam.

Until February 2022 I was chairman of the Model European Parliament Zuid-Holland board. Within this foundation, I organised and supervised youth conferences imitating the European Parliament for secondary school students throughout the province and on a national level. My own participation is where my passion for politics started. I first entered the world of public affairs with an internship at Considerati, where I focused on the 2021 parliamentary elections.

In my free time I prefer to sit on a terrace in the sun (or in the rain under an awning), I can be found at the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam, and I love going to concerts.

Maaike de Groot

Office Manager

As secretary/office manager I am dedicated to helping my colleagues with their organizational and administrative tasks. I get satisfaction from structuring the daily tasks and helping to streamline the backoffice. I have extensive experience in office management and training coordination in the automotive branche (import and rental for Fiat) and ICT, also I have flown with Transavia for a few years.

In my free time I like to go out with my husband and daughter (museum, forest) and I like to cook, bake and eat.

Dees Deitmers

Office Manager

I take pleasure in facilitating others. I like to think about how to streamline a company even better, organizationally. I have worked as a project assistant, office manager, customer care specialist and PR assistant.

With my other passion, hair and makeup, I have worked on the sets of photo, television, theater and film productions for many years.

In my spare time I like to go to the movies, theater or museums. I love to cook, write and read and above all have fun together.

Marja Renema-Hooijer

Financial Controller

At Wepublic I work in the role of all-round financial controller and have gained my experience in various branches both nationally and internationally. Streamlining and clarifying the financial administration makes me happy!

Through “schuldhulpmaatje”(debt relief buddy) I have been trained to help people who, for whatever reason, have lost their financial overview get back on track and create overview.

I like to spend my free time on my hobbies: running, indoor cycling, cooking, reading and travelling. When travelling, I love to get to know the culture, nature, architecture and to taste the local ‘wine and food’.

I also love quotes like: “Today is a good day for a good day!”.

Hein Greven

Associate Partner

Result and finding sustainable solutions in the public arena for our clients are the core of my work, especially when there is a lot at stake. No communication for the sake of communication. Together with clients I like to work on relations and advocacy, aimed at achieving long term results. I believe that an open eye and mind for the motives and interests of all stakeholders involved helps to achieve structural results.

In this way I have developed into an allround communications consultant with an emphasis on public affairs and lobbying. My experience is built up in the fields of energy, healthcare, sustainability, telecom, finance and creative industry. Before my step towards entrepreneurship with Wepublic in 2013, I was manager Public Affairs & Media Relations at energy company Eneco, associate partner at consultant firm Boer & Croon, chairman of the Professional Association for Public Affairs (BVPA), board member at the environment NGO Waddenvereniging and manager of Public Affairs at Royal Dutch KPN Telecom. I am actively involved in our international network Interel, fellow at the Witt Institute for Advanced Negotiations and active member of the entrepreneurial club for a sustainable economy, MVO Nederland.

I was born in Amsterdam in 1969, I studied political in Leiden, where I also met my wife. I try to keep an open mind through sports (running and football) traveling, reading, visiting museums and watching the football team across the street of our office, Ajax Amsterdam.

Frank Körver

Associate partner

I am one of the proud founders of Wepublic and get a lot of energy from the fact that I am both an entrepreneur and a trusted advisor.

As a consultant I focus primarily on reputation, corporate communication and (social) leadership challenges.

Organizations I work for are often confronted with difficult issues or strategic changes and their leadership very often has inspiring ambitions. Executives  also seek my advice when they want to build excellent communication departments or develop winning communication strategies.

In my previous function als associate partner at strategic consulting firm Boer & Croon I have developed myself in the fields of (structured) problem solving, business focused thinking, and managing complex projects.

I like to write about reputation management and the role and added value of the communications function. For example, together with Betteke van Ruler I wrote the book The Strategic Communication Frame that will also be published in the US in 2019. In this book, we introduce a practical method for strategy development. Previously I published a book about strategic issues management.

In addition to my work for clients, I am the coordinator for the EACD in the Netherlands and I am a board member at the business club of the Cobra museum for modern art. I am on the Central participation council of the Koningin Emma school in Bussum and the Joint participation council of Talent Primair.

On Saturdays I play as a striker for one of the most beautiful clubs in the Netherlands: AFC. I am also an avid supporter of Ajax and I am happy (but not very successful …) on the golf course. I live with Caroline who is an MD at VUMC and I am the proud father of two sons.