Discover Singelblok: a unique new-build project in the heart of Amsterdam-Noord. Here, you’ll live in a modern and sustainable home. Choose from a range of comfortable homes equipped with all the amenities you need.
For more information and to register: www.hureninsingelblok.nl
For the cover story, we spoke with Josu Devasia, Country Head Netherlands at Tata Consultancy Services. His story shows how international perspective, technological innovation and human development go hand in hand. Talent is not only about knowledge or experience, but also about curiosity, adaptability and the willingness to keep learning.
We also spoke with a variety of organisations, such as Philips and the Postcode Lottery. Different worlds, yet
PREFACE
Talent as the driving force of Zuidas
Zuidas is an area that never stands still. New buildings are rising, companies are growing, and new initiatives follow one another at a rapid pace. But anyone who walks around here daily knows: the true strength of Zuidas is not in concrete or numbers, but in people. In talent. That is why this edition of Hello Zuidas is entirely dedicated to Talent.
with a shared vision: investing in people is investing in the future. How do you attract talent? How do you retain it? And how do you ensure that people can continue to develop? These are questions that come up here every day.
As always, Hello Zuidas aims to stay close to current developments. A good example is the eleven-month extension of Student Experience. This is good news for young talents looking for housing and finding their place in Zuidas. It underlines how
The Zuidas just keeps getting better!
important it is to make room for the next generation as well.
Finally, this edition once again features a rich agenda of activities in the area. Because talent grows where people meet, share ideas and inspire one another.
The CubeHouse has just been completed, and things are already happening in this remarkable building on the corner of Parnassusweg and Claude Debussylaan. Apple specialist Amac will soon open a 300-square-metre flagship store here: the largest Apple Premium Partner store in the Netherlands. “Amsterdam has the highest iPhone density in the Netherlands, and the Zuidas is the country’s business heart,” says managing director Roelof de Rijk. The CubeHouse is well put together, by the way. In addition to Amac, it will also house the new European headquarters of BNP Paribas and the global headquarters of Arcadis. Hello Zuidas, connecting the city.
OLIVIER OTTEN - Managing director of Hello Zuidas
C O N R A D A M S T E R D A M
:
L I V E C L O S E T O T H E Z U I D A S . C O M E H O M E T O
S P A C E , C A L M A N D Q U A L I T Y .
C O N S T R U C T I O N H A S S T A R T E D !
L I V I N G W I T H O U T C O M P R O M I S E . W O R K I N G O N T H E Z U I D A S , L I V I N G I N B A L A N C E .
Y o u r d i a r y i s f u l l C a l l s w i t h N e w Y o r k i n t h e
m o r n i n g , d e a d l i n e s f o r L o n d o n b y t h e e n d o f
t h e d a y . Y o u r c a r e e r m o v e s f a s t s o d o e s y o u r
l i f e W h a t y o u ’ r e n o t l o o k i n g f o r i s a h o m e t h a t
c a n ’ t k e e p u p
C o n r a d A m s t e r d a m i s d e s i g n e d f o r
p r o f e s s i o n a l s w h o w a n t t o g e t t h e m o s t o u t o f
c i t y l i f e w i t h o u t h a v i n g t o b e c o n s t a n t l y
“ s w i t c h e d o n ” H e r e , y o u l i v e i n A m s t e r d a m
w i t h s p a c e t o b r e a t h e .
S p a c e , c a l m a n d r e t u r n o n i n v e s t m e n t …
r i g h t i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e c i t y I n t h e g r e e n
S p o o r p a r k , C o n r a d A m s t e r d a m i s t a k i n g s h a p e :
e l e g a n t n e w - b u i l d a p a r t m e n t s r a n g i n g f r o m 6 6
t o 1 2 5 m ² , c r e a t e d f o r p e o p l e w h o c o n s c i o u s l y
c h o o s e q u a l i t y , c o m f o r t a n d l o n g - t e r m v a l u e .
L a r g e w i n d o w s , i n t e l l i g e n t l a y o u t s a n d
g e n e r o u s t e r r a c e s p r o v i d e l i g h t , a i r a n d
p r i v a c y A r a r e l u x u r y i n t h e c i t y C o n s t r u c t i o n
h a s b e g u n T h i s i s n o l o n g e r a p l a n i t ’ s
b e c o m i n g r e a l i t y !
W h y t h i s w o r k s f o r y o u P e a c e a f t e r a l o n g
w o r k i n g d a y L o c a t e d d i r e c t l y n e x t t o
S p o o r p a r k , w i t h i n w a l k i n g d i s t a n c e o f
P o s t j e s w e g M e t r o s t a t i o n , S l o t e r p l a s a n d
S l o t e r p a r k . R u n n i n g , w a l k i n g o r s i m p l y
s w i t c h i n g o f f w i t h o u t l e a v i n g t h e c i t y
P e r f e c t l y c o n n e c t e d Q u i c k a c c e s s t o t h e
Z u i d a s , S c h i p h o l a n d t h e c i t y c e n t r e I d e a l f o r
h y b r i d w o r k e r s , f r e q u e n t t r a v e l l e r s o r a n y o n e
w h o d o e s n ’ t w a n t t o w a s t e t i m e .
C o m f o r t y o u c a n f e e l a n d m e a s u r e A n A + + +
e n e r g y l a b e l m e a n s n o t o n l y s u s t a i n a b l e l i v i n g ,
b u t a l s o l o w e r e n e r g y c o s t s a n d o f t e n i n c r e a s e d
b o r r o w i n g c a p a c i t y .
F i n a n c i a l c l a r i t y T h e g r o u n d l e a s e h a s b e e n
b o u g h t o f f f o r 5 0 y e a r s . N o s u r p r i s e s , n o
u n c e r t a i n t y r e a s s u r i n g f o r e x p a t s a n d l o n g - t e r m
p l a n n e r s a l i k e
S t r e s s - f r e e p a r k i n g Y o u r o w n p a r k i n g s p a c e .
N o c i r c l i n g t h e b l o c k a f t e r a l a t e w o r k i n g d a y
L i v i n g f o r w a r d , n o t t e m p o r a r i l y C o n r a d
A m s t e r d a m i s m a d e f o r p e o p l e w h o k n o w w h a t
t h e y w a n t : a h o m e t h a t m a t c h e s t h e i r p a c e ,
t h e i r a m b i t i o n s a n d t h e i r s t a g e o f l i f e N o
c o m p r o m i s e s o n s p a c e N o c o m p r o m i s e s o n
g r e e n e r y . N o c o m p r o m i s e s o n a c c e s s i b i l i t y .
P r i c e s f r o m € 5 3 5 , 0 0 0 v . o . n .
O u r p r o p e r t y a g e n t s w o u l d
b e h a p p y t o t e l l y o u m o r e :
R a m o n M o s s e l M a k e l a a r d i j
A r e n t J a n s z o o n E r n s t s t r a a t 5 5 5
1 0 8 2 L D A m s t e r d a m
+ 3 1 ( 0 ) 2 0 3 0 5 2 6 6 2
n i e u w b o u w @ r a m o n m o s s e l . n l
E e f j e V o o g d M a k e l a a r d i j
D e B o e l e l a a n 7
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+ 3 1 ( 0 ) 2 0 3 0 5 0 5 6 0
i n f o @ e e f j e v o o g d . n l
I n t e r e s t e d ?
C O N R A D A M S T E R D A M . N L
A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION
Josu Devasia, Country Head for the Netherlands at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), on
talent, AI and the power of Zuidas
Josu Devasia arrived in the Netherlands twenty years ago and started working at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) when it was still based in the Atrium, on the other side of Amsterdam Zuid station. Back then, Zuidas was still just a small handful of buildings, mainly offices. Today, as Country Head for the Netherlands, Devasia leads an organisation that has grown strongly, in step with the district. In this issue’s featured interview, he reflects on his personal journey, the pull of the Zuidas ecosystem and why talent is the decisive factor in an era when AI is touching every profession. He also makes a case for stepping up education linking business with AI to keep the Netherlands competitive in tomorrow’s world.
Zuidas is rapidly evolving into a global business hub. What has this environment offered you both personally and professionally in your position as Country Head at TCS Netherlands?
“Looking back on the past twenty years, it’s one big story of transformation. The transformation of TCS, of Zuidas, of myself. When I first arrived here, Zuidas was small and TCS still a relatively unknown player in the Netherlands. Now it’s a vibrant business district and a place where people want to be. Professionally, the network effect is tremendous: thanks to the density of corporates, scale-ups and knowledge institutions, decisions are made faster and co-innovation happens more easily. Many of our clients are also located in the Zuidas area. This proximity is also incredibly valuable for talent, as the internationalism here means you can build multicultural teams closely aligned to clients.”
What makes Zuidas such a strong place for innovation and talent, in your view?
“I don’t need to explain it – you can see it all around. You’ve got big clients around the corner, partners nearby, universities supplying talent, and even competitors keeping you sharp. That lowers barriers for collaboration. And makes innovation practicable, because you can connect and build things together more quickly. This in turn sparks new ideas and new connections.”
How do you envisage the future of Zuidas? What role can this district play in attracting worldwide talent and innovative enterprises?
“Zuidas is already ahead of many places. What makes it unique is the mix of corporates, startups, academia and residential life. I envisage Zuidas developing into a hybrid innovation district: a live-work-learn-innovate environment. Its accessibility and
concentration of businesses make it a natural base for international companies. It really is a magnet for talent, because besides work it offers a more complete package, with things like good restaurants and amenities, which is very different from how it used to be.”
Attracting top talent is a major priority for most businesses in Zuidas. How does TCS define ‘talent’ as it applies to both today’s young professionals and experienced specialists?
“Talent is now the most important value differentiator for organisations. For us, talent is about more than ‘being clever’. We look for T-shaped people, with depth in a specific field as well as the breadth to collaborate across business, data and design. A growth mindset is also essential, so people who are curious, embrace change and proactively apply new technologies. We also place a strong emphasis on purpose and impact, on the ability to connect technology to measurable outcomes for both clients and society at large. Hiring the best and brightest doesn’t only make us stronger as a company but helps us deliver the best technology solutions for our many clients.”
How does TCS ensure employees continue developing in a sector that’s evolving so quickly, with AI, digital skills and large-scale upskilling?
“As TCS is on course to be the world’s largest AI-led technology services company, embedding continuous learning in our culture is vital. Having the best and brightest people working for you and encouraging them to keep on learning is key to stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible
solutions for our clients, Continuous learning is also a great way to keep your people motivated and up for new challenges and opportunities. At TCS, we work with tailored role-based learning pathways, cloud and AI certifications, and hands-on labs. We’re also increasingly emphasising skills, with badges and competencies to enable reskilling and internal mobility at scale and, for leaders, technical depth coupled to a client focus and change leadership. The pace isn’t slowing down, so learning needs to be structural.”
TCS is a global organisation but also has a strong local presence. How do you maintain that balance between global scale and local relevance?
“We deliver a global experience aligned to the Dutch context and regulatory environment. Local teams need to be able to make decisions keyed to individual clients yet supported by global best practices. In recent years we’ve also invested in more capabilities for the local sector, including government and public organisations, making us a more comprehensive partner in the Netherlands. Community ties are also important to stay locally relevant.
Things like education projects and social initiatives anchor you. TCS is deeply rooted in Amsterdam and the Zuidas area and actively giving back to the local community. Through our role as title sponsor for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, we’ve helped raise over seven million euros for KWF and UMC Cancer Center Amsterdam.”
TCS’s unique Pace Port Amsterdam facility has made a name as an innovation hub for co-creation and novel technology. How does Pace Port help TCS attract talent and strengthen its position in the Zuidas community?
“AI is part of every client conversation. Many organisations are still formulating their playbooks: what do we do, how do we do it, where do we start? Our Pace Port facility helps clients experiment with the latest technologies without having to build everything themselves. They can test use cases, build pilots and then implement with confidence. It’s also a magnet for talent. People are keen to work with cutting-edge technology. For Zuidas, it showcases this ecosystem in action.”
If you could accelerate or change one thing in the Dutch talent ecosystem, what would it be?
“Talent is crucial to stay in the AI race. The Netherlands is a small country, so we need to compete on the innovative mindset and pioneering spirit that has always made this country strong historically. Since we don’t have the scale to go it alone, we need to be open to partnerships and ecosystems. Specifically, I think we need to open up our universities more to attract the strongest talent, both local and international. At the same time, there are plenty of technical AI programmes but very few linking business with AI. This is a missed opportunity, because more and more jobs, from lawyers to doctors, are being touched by AI. Private universities often adapt faster, and it would be good if public universities were also a bit more responsive to change. Otherwise, companies in Zuidas will be forced to continue importing talent instead of training enough of our many talented local people for the world of tomorrow.”
BECAUSE WE STILL KNOW YOUR FIRST NAME AND THOSE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES
BUILDING THE FUTURE
MEERPARC SET TO BE A LIVELY PLACE WITH HOUSING
The First Sponsor Group and the City of Amsterdam have plans to make the Meerparc office building into a lively place, with housing, offices, commercial amenities and a lot of green areas. Their ideas for the plans were shared with the local neighbourhood on 14 January 2026.
CURRENT: DARK AND UNSAFE
CURRENT: BARELY GREEN
Meerparc, in Amstelveenseweg, is currently a private four-storey building with almost 20,000 sq. m. of office and business accommodation. The building has hardly any green areas and a dark, closed-off façade. But all this is set to change, as around 80 attendees at the walk-in meeting held by developer Peak Development discovered. The building will be given more green areas, the office accommodation will move to a completely new office tower and there will be 360 homes in the building.
Living and working in a green environment
Of these, 200 homes will be in the midmarket segment and 160 will be private sector housing. As stated above, the existing offices will be given space in the new office tower, which will have the same 20,000 sq. m. of office space. In the ground floor plinth, there will be around 750 sq. m. of space for commercial amenities. All of this will be surrounded by greenery, with green roofs, a green
SOON: LIVELY AND CLEAR
SOON: COURTYARD AND
FORECOURT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
forecourt and a courtyard garden accessible for residents and the public.
Building upwards
To create space for the housing, office accommodation and commercial amenities, around 32,000 sq. m. of volume will be added to the building. The total volume will therefore increase to a maximum of 52,000 sq. m. At its highest point, the new design will be 14 storeys, gradually reducing in height in tiers.
Lively streetscape
The existing, double-height, closed façades with service entrances and access to technical areas will be replaced by a transparent plinth. This will connect the inside with outdoors, creating a safe and lively atmosphere on the street. This will be accentuated by two corridors leading to the courtyard garden on the second floor, resulting in a building that is much more open to the surrounding public realm. The building will have an integrated car park with around 160 spaces for cars
20,000 M² OF OFFICES
and a bicycle storage facility that can accommodate around 1,700 bikes.
Schedule
In 2022, the owner First Sponsor Group and the City of Amsterdam decided to investigate the feasibility of redevelopment. This spring, there will be a consultation period for the decision to amend the environmental plan and a further walk-in meeting will be held in the summer. Later in the year, the definitive design will be completed and Amsterdam City Council will decide on the amendment to the environmental plan. Construction work is currently scheduled to start in early 2028.
Amsterdam Zuidas Information Centre Central Hall, WTC +31 (0)800 50 65 contact@zuidas.nl www.zuidas.nl
Follow on zuidas @zuidasamsterdam @zuidasamsterdam
SUSTAINABILITY
Call for entries: 2026 Zuidas Sustainability Award
Want to spotlight a sustainable initiative in Zuidas that’s truly making a difference? Then this is your chance: nominate it for the fifth annual Zuidas Sustainability Award!
A showcase for the year’s most inspiring sustainable projects, the Zuidas Sustainability Award is now accepting nominations for projects that commenced after November 2025. Nominate your own or someone else’s stellar initiative for a chance to shine at the award ceremony in November 2026 (exact date TBA).
SIX CATEGORIES
Awards are granted in six different categories:
MOBILITY & LOGISTICS
From smart sharing concepts to novel charging solutions
WATER GREENERY / PUBLIC SPACE
Projects to green the urban landscape and upgrade public space
CIRCULARITY & WASTE
Methods to prevent waste and reuse materials
SOCIETY & ECONOMICS
Initiatives that add social value
BUILDINGS
Sustainable building projects
ENERGY & CLIMATE
Projects to meet climate targets and energy-saving innovations
In addition, everyone can vote for their personal favourite to win the Public Choice Award.
An independent panel will judge each submission on ecological and social impact. Does it bring people together? Make a statement? Inspire others? And does it work in the real world? Then it just might win!
With exciting projects and a festive awards ceremony, the 2025 edition was a resounding success. To get a taste, check out our photos from last year.
Got an initiative that deserves a spotlight? Scan the QR code for more information and to enter: www.zuidasduurzaam.nl/meedoen
Make a di erence
Loneliness a ects many people. Especially those living with a physical disability. De Zonnebloem is a charity whose volunteers help people stay active, valued and connected to society. Through simple moments of genuine attention: a conversation, a walk together or a shared lunch. And by organizing meaningful shared experiences, such as excursions, events and other activities that bring people together.
You can help us make this di erence and create real social impact. As an individual, together with colleagues or as a company.
• By giving time as a volunteer.
• By organizing a team activity.
• By supporting one of our many initiatives.
Discover how small actions can create a big impact. Visit Zonnebloem.nl/amsterdam or scan the QR code.
Scan mij
COLUMN
Zuidas Stories, Zuidas Talent
When walking around Zuidas, do you ever actually look around?
At all the different people, huddled into their coats, earbuds in, striding briskly to wherever they need to be? Lawyers, consultants, doctors, students, researchers, local residents, area visitors... all moving at their own pace, following their own plan and, above all, each with their own story. Every one of us carries around our own unique story, shaped by our individual experiences, choices, setbacks and hopes. And layered inside those stories is talent. Sometimes visible, often as yet unseen.
What would happen if, instead of simply striding past each other, we became genuinely curious about other people’s stories? About what shaped them, what they’re good at, what lights a spark in them?
Talent isn’t some abstract label or a score on a CV, but a deeply human phenomenon. It’s shaped against the backdrop of who an individual is and the experiences they’ve had. This is precisely the reason diversity is a must-have, and not merely a nice-to-have: because talent can only thrive in settings where everyone is not expected to be alike.
As Rector Magnificus of a university, this idea has been on my mind a good deal in recent years. Academia has long upheld the ideal that everyone should excel on all fronts: teaching, research, societal impact, governance. This ideal has proved not only impossible to sustain, but downright harmful. Measuring everyone against the same yardstick mostly just shows where people come up short. It’s when you take differences seriously that talent comes into view.
Nothing is quite so personal and multifaceted, after all, as talent. Where one person is at their best engaging directly with students, another shines doing analyses, in the lab or at a keyboard. And yet another excels as a connector, or a coordinator, or a silent force behind the scenes. Realising this, we have become more deliberate in thinking about: who is this individual, what are their strengths, how can we weave all these different stories together? Not to pigeonhole people,
but to open up space for individuality. When you give people the space to work from their own stories and talents, it not only makes them better at what they do, but also happier doing it.
Perhaps this mindset is already well-established in the corporate world. If you ask me, what makes Zuidas special is that it unites so many different worlds on a daily basis: higher education, healthcare, enterprise, and home environment. Stories are endlessly intersecting inside these few square miles. And it’s here, among the rich diversity of people and stories, that talent comes into view.
As Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam, Jeroen Geurts directs the university’s education and research programmes. In this role he works to maintain ties with the city and wider society and to promote collaboration and inclusion. Geurts is also a member of the Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO.
Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam
MAKING IMPACT TOGETHER
Friday 20 March 2026 | 09:30–12:30
Amsterdamse Bos Visitor Centre, Amstelveen
Partners in Impact is a small-scale, content-driven symposium for companies that want to turn sustainability ambitions into credible, verifiable impact. No traditional stage program, but an open and honest dialogue about the future of nature and climate impact.
What Carbon & Nature
Credits really
mean
Together, we explore what carbon and nature credits really mean for organisations today: where they create value, where the risks lie, and how investments in nature can move beyond reputation management towards measurable results.
Investigative journalist Ties Gijzel (Follow the Money), co-author of “Who Pays,
Pollutes,” shares insights from research into carbon credit misuse. His contribution sets the stage for a constructive discussion: how should businesses and nature organisations respond, communicate and take responsibility?
From listening to doing
After a short Q&A, the focus shifts to active participation. Through clear propositions and shared experiences, we discuss transparency, credibility, and the limits of voluntary action. The goal is not a perfect answer, but workable and trustworthy steps forward.
The setting, in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos, reminds us what is ultimately at stake: nature within society. We conclude with a joint lunch as a
continuation of the conversation, focusing on concrete next steps, collaborations and pilots.
Core question: how can we create real impact together? Not abstract ambitions, but collective action that holds up: socially and substantively.
MAKING IMPACT TOGETHER
Friday 20 March 2026
09:30 – 12:30 hours
Amsterdamse Bos Visitor Centre Bosbaanweg 5, 1182 DA Amstelveen You can register for the symposium by sending an e-mail to: j.van.der.weijde@amsterdam.nl
SOCIAL MEDIA
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@joey.burnet
@robpeetoom
@werkenbijcms
Britt & Carlijn - deelnemers
CMS Career Challenge
@corporatehousingfactory Same team, same mission ...
@accenturenl
@bjornweggelaar Good morning Zuidas!
@zuidasamsterdam ... zo’n driehonderd mensen op bezoek in Brittenpassage ...
@greenbergnielsen
@Suzanne.verhees ... @bodybase_studios ...
@werkenbijlexence ... Esmee, Christiaan, Dirkje en Louis beëdigd ...
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Some love stories start behind the bar ...
@kaakchirurgiezuidas
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For employees of companies who are member of Hello Zuidas, it is possible to join our LinkedIn group or link as a contact.
Download the Hello Zuidas City App Hello Zuidas has an app that allows you to flip through all the Zuidas news!
Tacite: where hospitality and gastronomy understand each other without words
On 1 April, a new gastronomic destination is opening on Cornelis Krusemanstraat in Amsterdam Zuid. Restaurant Tacite was conceived by two energetic young entrepreneurs with serious fine-dining credentials: 29-year-old Daan van Splunteren and 30-year-old Joris Koudstaal. At Tacite, they want to make fine dining accessible, personal and above all welcoming: “Nothing loud or showy, just a place where everything feels right.”
From Michelin star crew to kitchen of their own
Daan cut his teeth in the restaurant and hotel world at an early age. “Joris and I met five years ago, when I started working at Aan de Poel,” he says, and the two had an instant connection. Joris’ kitchen career started some ten years ago: “Studying wasn’t my scene, but cooking was, and before long I was working in serious, Michelin-level establishments.” Daan and Joris worked together very closely at Aan de Poel for three years. “That was a blast. We complemented each other very well.” They hit on the idea of going into business together over beers at a barbecue, Joris recalls. “We said, ‘Why don’t we do this ourselves?’” The idea
stuck. “We started brainstorming, drafting plans, talking to investors, and in early 2025 the ball really got rolling.”
What does Tacite mean?
Joris explains: “Tacite is basically about understanding each other without need for words. It’s like knowing when a sauce is perfect or sensing just how to approach a guest.” Daan adds, “It’s a feeling you convey without having to spell it out. That’s us.” Tacite offers both set menus and à la carte dining. “Our foundation is bold flavours, perfect cuisson and sublime sauces,” Joris says. “We work with products sourced from the North Sea and use seasonal ingredients as much as possible.” Their attention to detail extends
to the restaurant’s ambience. Daan: “People are making time to eat out. You have to respect that.”
Their goal? That guests leave already thinking about when they’ll return. “We want to make everyone feel welcome, whether you’re here for business, with friends or with your parents,” Daan explains. “That, to us, is the essence of hospitality.”
Restaurant Tacite
Cornelis Krusemanstraat 15
Opening date: early April www.tacite.nl @tacite.amsterdam
HELLO PEOPLE
GOT A MINUTE?
In ‘Got a Minute’, we pause the pace of Zuidas life and, for this edition, ask one simple question: what does talent mean to you? Between coffee, meetings and deadlines, many people turn out to have a clear vision of that. About being given space, truly seeing people, taking pride in your workplace and growing together. Just a minute, but full of insights.
Harry Andreas Buren Legal
“There is so much talent on the Zuidas, but it isn’t always fully used. Talent needs space. When managers give that room, you really see people grow and it’s appreciated too. A lot of talent remains hidden, and you can’t develop it alone, you do that together with your employer. It can all be a bit less rigid and a bit more relaxed. We share stories at the lunch table, learn from each other and sometimes even make it a little celebration. That gives energy. Here at the WTC, it feels like a village: you meet people, exchange ideas and inspire one another. It’s exactly in that dynamic that talent can flourish.”
Guest PA World Trade Center
Amsterdam
& Hoff Offices
“When I look around here, I see talent everywhere. Cleaners working incredibly hard, security staff walking miles, facility teams keeping everything running. We may not be direct colleagues, but it feels like one village where everyone is a link in the chain. For me, talent is also about pride: pride in the WTC and in what we create here together. I welcome people, pick up litter if I see it and want this place to thrive. Hospitality is in my heart. After years of experience and even time away from the WTC, being back feels like coming home. My strength? Making everyone feel seen and welcome.”
Justin Camara Owner of Bluey’s
“Since opening here in November, you gradually get to know who walks around in such a large building and what all these different people do. That makes it interesting. You see a mix of families, local residents and professionals on their way to work. Do I know their exact talents? Not always, but you notice many people are driven and focused, and that’s inspiring. In our own business, everything revolves around the team: without good people you simply can’t manage, especially during busy moments. We value one another and many colleagues stay with us for a long time. We want to create the same neighborhood feeling here as in our other location: quality, attention and a mindful coffee break in a busy day.”
Teddie Zichterman
Consultant at Greenberg Nielsen
“I graduated from hotel school last summer and discovered how much I enjoy working with people. I use those social and communication skills every day now. At Greenberg Nielsen I’m truly given the space to develop, not only professionally but personally as well. We work a lot with starters and working students taking their first steps in the financial sector. What you mainly look for then is motivation and a willingness to grow. Of course, skills matter, but we look beyond a CV. We want to get to know the person: do they fit the culture, the team? When there’s a real click, it can lead to something very special in the long term.”
Romy Lange • Photography: Roxanne Wilm
Ilona van den Akker
HELLO ZUIDAS RESIDENT
“Everything feels close by in Zuidas: my work, the gym, my friends and my own space to rest and recharge.”
Loes has lived in Zuidas since 2021. Employed as a content specialist, she loves how this dynamic district lets her effortlessly combine working, studying and recreation. With her active lifestyle and strong ties to Zuidas, the decision to live here was a no-brainer and the perfect fit for her.
Loes Johannes has lived in Zuidas since 2021
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
“I am a content specialist which involves creating and optimising content. On the side, I teach hip-hop classes for teens, which I’ve been doing for years. I also completed a part-time MBA at VU Amsterdam last year, so a big part of my life is centred here in Zuidas. In my spare time I like working out at TrainMore or Clubsportive and getting together with family and friends. Winter sports holidays are my favourite: snowboarding in the mountains is my real happy place.”
When did you move to Zuidas?
“I came to live here in mid-2021. I’d been working at Zuidas for six months but hadn’t seen much of the area yet because of the corona pandemic, so didn’t have a clear picture of what to expect. I was sold on this flat the minute I came to view it because of the high ceilings and all the natural light. I felt at home here straightaway and that hasn’t changed.”
What is your favourite spot at home?
“At the end of a busy day I love relaxing on the sofa and enjoying some downtime. But my absolute favourite spot at home is the bar in my kitchen, where I hang out with friends and family, and it’s a great place to work on my own projects, too. It’s cosy and comfortable and the real heart of my home.”
What is your favourite spot in Zuidas?
“I have lots, actually. Hasta La Vista Baby for the food, the vibe and the view. Dicky’s for drinks with colleagues on Thursday afternoons to round off the week, as well as for sandwiches at lunchtime. Doppio Espresso for the good coffee, and Market 33 as a fun place to meet up with friends.”
What do you hope the future holds for Zuidas?
“I like how living, working and recreation are becoming increasingly interwoven here. Much as I appreciate the quiet at weekends, it would also be nice if some more restaurants and bars stayed open to liven up the neighbourhood. I can’t wait to see how Zuidas continues taking shape in the coming years.”
Are there any downsides to living in Zuidas?
“Not many, fortunately. If anything, I’d say parking, mainly because rates are so high. Apart from that, it would be nice to have some more shops and restaurants, especially places that stay open at weekends. But none of that takes away from how much I enjoy living in Zuidas.”
Upgraded station with the city as backdrop
Unlike other Dutch cities such as Rotterdam, Arnhem and Utrecht, Amsterdam Zuidas’ new station will be no eye-catcher. Why is that? We put this question to outgoing chief railway architect Marianne Loof and her close colleague Miguel Loos. As architects with Bureau Spoorbouwmeester, the two have been closely involved in Zuidasdok (although not in designing the station itself).
Low profile
Ask any two architects about Amsterdam Zuid station and the conversation swiftly turns to what makes this station unique. Stations are often oriented towards the city centre, with spaces for bike storage, technical systems and loading and unloading at the rear. Amsterdam Zuid station is different in this respect: the building has no front or back. “In many cities – Rotterdam and Arnhem,
for example – the station building is a monumental ‘gesture’,” says Marianne Loof. Until the first of this year she was chief railway architect with Bureau Spoorbouwmeester, the independent office that advises ProRail and Dutch Railways (NS) on railway design and station architecture, and part of its small quality team. Alongside her colleague Miguel Loos, she has been involved in Zuidasdok for many years.
Urban backdrop
Amsterdam Zuid station is among the country’s largest in terms of passenger numbers. Despite this, the new station will not be a grandiose structure. Why not? “This spot boasts an amazing urban backdrop,” Loof explains. “Because of that, you can keep the station structure itself relatively modest.” Miguel Loos: “The original design was explicitly low-key. This station is meant to improve connectivity between the northern and southern ends of the city and occupies a green corridor linking Nieuwe Meer and the Amstel river. The quality of that green link and the existing urban skyline argue in favour of a simple station design, while the
Miguel Loos & Marianne Loof
generous dimensions of all the elements, high standard of finish and unique surroundings set it apart.”
Most metropolitan urban area
Not everyone shares this view. Many travellers and others wonder why the station building is so modest, given all the award-winning architecture surrounding it. That’s the exact reason, responds Loof. “You need to look at the station in concert with its surroundings. Compare it to London’s St. Pancras International Station, where you arrive in a sprawling shopping centre and step out into London through a side entrance. Amsterdam Zuid station will also be an international train station, except here you step out into wide, green boulevards set against the most metropolitan urban area in all of the Netherlands. A few years from now, visitors from Berlin, Hamburg, London and Paris will arrive in Amsterdam Zuid and this metropolitan district will be their first impression of Amsterdam. The new station pays homage to its surrounding architecture.”
Amsterdam Zuid station constitutes the capstone of a series of major station upgrades (jointly called the ‘new key projects’, Nieuwe Sleutelprojecten) across the Netherlands, of which Rotterdam Central was the first. The renovated station has a wider Minerva passage, which is transformed into a
city arcade with shopping, dining and bike parking facilities. The other, slightly narrower, Britten passage will have similar amenities. Both passageways lead directly out to the new tram stops on the south side of the station and the bus station to the north, while a covered pedestrian zone with commercial amenities connects them to public squares in the heart of Zuidas.
Road tunnel a must
While the reasoning behind a highstandard, low-profile station make sense from an architectural perspective, what about traveller comfort? Do the design’s high platform canopies provide sufficient shelter? “The platform canopies offer less shelter than a full canopy, but they tick all the requisite boxes and, all being well, you won’t spend much time waiting on a platform anyway,” Loof replies with a laugh. “The way it is now, you’re standing in the noise next to the motorway. However, in a few years’ time, the widened motorway will disappear into a tunnel and you’ll be standing on a platform bordered by greenery and a stunning urban backdrop beyond that. It will be completely unique.” As well as forming a hard boundary within the city, the A10 Zuid motorway also creates noise pollution. Loos: “The tunnel eliminates the need for great big noise barriers beside the platforms and allows for the creation of attractive squares instead,
where travellers can easily transfer to buses or trams.”
Downpours and heat
Last but not least, the chief railway architect highlights a topic that’s receiving increasing attention in the railway world and is close to her own heart. “Climate change will confront us with more frequent heat stress and flooding. In Zuidas, space is limited, including for climate adaptation measures. Because of the underground road tunnels, station concourses and other paved areas needed nearby for local public transport, water has nowhere to go during intense rainfall events.”
That’s why the road tunnel is being fitted with a retention roof, with a series of underground attenuation crates to collect rainwater if and when the sewer system can’t cope with the flow. The crates release that water into the canal around Buitenveldert cemetery in a controlled, delayed way. In addition, the platform roofs on either side of the station will be planted. Loof: “Green isn’t just nice to have, it’s an absolute necessity to mitigate climate change and compensate for rising temperatures in the station’s stony environment.”
Urban planner and architect Daan Zandbelt has been appointed the new chief railway architect by ProRail and NS. He took over from Marianne Loof on 1 January 2026.
ARCHITECTURE
In the building that used to be home to the courthouse (parts of which have monumental status) at Parnassusweg 220, a museum of contemporary art is being developed by the Hartwig Art Foundation. The City of Amsterdam has purchased the building and will lease it to the foundation. The Hartwig museum is scheduled to open in 2028.
Design and programme
The museum will primarily focus on new contemporary art, offering young and up-and-coming artists space to work and exhibit. In addition to exhibition areas, the museum will also feature several public functions, including auditorium, education rooms, a library, a museum shop, a food lab, offices, hospitality and catering (bistro, museum restaurant) and a music room. There will also be rooms that can be used temporarily by artists and people linked to the museum. To make all this possible, the annex (which does not have monumental status) to the former courthouse building will make way for a newly-constructed wing. The building will also have an extension built on top of it where the museum restaurant will be. The arrival of the museum will also bring changes to the spaces around the building. The main museum entrance will be on Parnassusweg. There will also be bicycle parking facilities underneath the museum. Dropoff facilities for buses and taxis are being considered for the immediate vicinity.
Spatial planning procedures and consultation
In order to enable the renovation and extension of the building, the zoning plan has been changed, this plan is now irrevocable. The environmental permit and the traffic order are both approved.
Process and schedule
Contractor J.P. van Eesteren began preparations for the museum’s construction at the end of 2023. The renovation of the historic Block E and the new construction on the site of the demolished Block F are well underway. In the first half of 2026, the contractor will be working on the basement and preparing for the new entrance, among other things. They have also begun renovation of the historic facade. The Hartwig museum is scheduled to open in 2028.
AGENDA MARCH & APRIL 2026
March-April KARAOKE BAR
@ De Blauwe Engel www.deblauweengel.nl
Café De Blauwe Engel introduces the first-ever karaoke bar in Zuidas! Come and experience a super-sized karaoke space accommodating groups of up to 25 in this iconic Dutch pub. What better place to let off excess steam during Friday happy hours, hold a casual team outing or extend an impromptu birthday party when no one feels like heading home? From Dutch standards to international hits and the ultimate guilty pleasures, the mic is ready, the drinks are chilled and all are welcome to sing along – on or off key! The karaoke bar is fully equipped for groups to sing, laugh and party undisturbed in the heart of Zuidas.
March-April
MOVIE NIGHTS AT HASTA LA VISTA BABY
@ Hasta La Vista Baby www.hastalavista.baby
Movie nights are back at Hasta La Vista Baby. Take a load off every Sunday and Monday with an evening of drinks, popcorn and a good film. We’ve got a great line-up of cinema classics and feelgood flicks including Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mamma Mia!, Casino Royale, The Great Gatsby, Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Devil Wears Prada. Perfect for a fun evening at the movies with friends or colleagues.
March-April LA MESA ZUIDAS NOW OPEN
@ La Mesa (formerly Bolenius)
There’s a new hotspot in town! Limon’s ‘little sister’ La Mesa Zuidas recently opened its doors in what used to be Bolenius, specialising in a menu of contemporary Spanish cuisine. Open six days a week, the restaurant serves a range of Spanish dishes from meat dishes to tapas, pinchos and sandwiches. Have you tasted it yet?
EVENT (MEMBERS ONLY)
5 March
HELLO ZUIDAS GRAND SLAM
@ The All Out – www.theallout.nl
The Hello Zuidas Grand Slam returns! On Thursday 5 March, we’re back at The All Out, an activity bar where Zuidas-based businesses and organisations can square off for some friendly competition. During the Grand Slam, teams vie against each other in karaoke, interactive darts, shuffleboard, sjoelen and other games, including several new ones this year, and of course with great prizes for the winners! Come show your stuff!
10 March
MARCEL VAN ROOSMALEN
– IK MAG NIET KLAGEN (TRY-OUT, IN DUTCH)
@ Griffioen VU – www.griffioen.vu.nl
In his new show Ik mag niet klagen, Marcel van Roosmalen is out to answer the question how his life wound up such a shambles. He takes audiences back to his Arnhem roots – to the city that shaped him but that he left for good –dissecting human shortcomings and his own success with his trademark piercing eye and dry wit. Get ready for an evening of relatable anecdotes and razor-sharp characterisations.
21 March
KAMRAN & HOOMAN FT. 25BAND – NOWRUZ GALA
@ RAI Amsterdam – www.rai.nl
On Saturday 21 March, Nadali Production presents the Nowruz Gala in RAI Amsterdam, a sophisticated evening of music, culture and elegance celebrating the Iranian New Year 1405. With a programme of live performances by Kamran & Hooman and 25Band plus other stellar entertainment, the gala promises a stylish experience in a fabulous setting. Mark your calendar and come celebrate the start of the new year!
17 March
LUNCHTIME CONCERT – AEOLUS VOCAL TRIO
@ De Thomas – www.dethomas.nl
Catch a free lunchtime classical music recital at De Thomas, showcasing different ensembles and musicians every fortnight. On 17 March, Aeolus Vocal Trio take the stage with mezzo-sopranos Femke Hulsman and Stefanie Bruggeling and soprano Madeline Saputra. Doors open at 12:15pm, concerts start at 12:30pm and last 30 minutes. All are welcome and admission is free.
EVENT (MEMBERS ONLY)
24 March
DRONE SPECIAL: SAFETY & INNOVATION
@ Boston Consulting Group
Drones have become an integral part of the urban environment. What are their implications for safety, privacy and risk in Zuidas? During this special session, experts outline opportunities and key considerations. A must for anyone interested in this topic! More info: hellozuidas.com or elisa.schouten@hellozuidas.com.
28 & 29 March
PROFESSOR BRIAN COX – EMERGENCE
@ RAI Amsterdam – www.rai.nl
Professor Brian Cox is back in Amsterdam with his brand-new world tour Emergence. Taking audiences on a breathtaking journey through science and cosmology, from snow crystals to constellations, the show explores the intricate beauty of our universe and the laws of nature that sculpted it. With spectacular visuals, music and scientific stories, Emergence is an experience guaranteed to enthral and inspire.
7 April
LECTURE – JONATHAN SACKS’ RADICAL UNCERTAINTY
@ De Thomas – www.dethomas.nl
How can we find freedom and hope in times of radical uncertainty? In this lecture inspired by the ideas of Jonathan Sacks, speakers Gerben van Manen and Jan Jorrit Hasselaar draw on theological and social insights to explore how we can cope with uncertainty and what role hope can play. This is an event organised by Leerhuis Amsterdam for all those interested in questions around meaning and current societal issues.
EVENT (MEMBERS ONLY)
13 APRIL
HOSPITALITY & RETAIL SPECIAL SESSION
@ La Mesa Zuidas
The first Hospitality & Retail Special Session of 2026 will meet on Monday 13 April at La Mesa. As well as an opportunity to experience the new local hotspot for contemporary Spanish cuisine, members can look forward to a presentation about the new 2026 KHN rules and regulations, updates from the Zuid business community and a chance to network with fellow Zuidas entrepreneurs. More info: servicepoint@hellozuidas.com.
9
April
BRO’S – BROMENS (IN DUTCH)
@ Griffioen VU – www.griffioen.vu.nl
Cameretten 2023 winners Maurits Wijmenga and Ramses van Hall’s new show Bromens is an unpredictable whirlwind cabaret show full of absurdities – from callous psychologists to tender little boys and from dance tracks to painful silences, nothing is off-limits. With their compelling chemistry and head-spinning pace, BRO’S create high-octane theatre that you don’t need to understand, only to experience. A hilarious tribute to friendship, chaos and unfettered freedom on stage.
EVENT (MEMBERS ONLY)
16 APRIL
ZUIDAS ACCESSIBILITY TASK FORCE
@ Zuidas
What will the future of shared mobility and mobility hubs look like? At this meeting, we’ll hear various speakers on the growth of shared mobility and mobility hubs in the coming years and how developments can help to keep areas connected. We’ll also discuss real-world cases of interest to Zuidas.
24-25 April
NATIONAL CAREER FAIR
@ RAI Amsterdam – www.nationalecarrierebeurs.nl
The Netherlands’ biggest career event, the Nationale Carrièrebeurs, is back this April at RAI Amsterdam. Fairgoers can get the lay of the labour market and connect directly with more than 250 top employers from a wide range of industries. Where talent acquisition meets employer branding, the Netherlands’ annual national career fair offers a wealth of opportunities for students, career starters and young professionals.
EVENT (MEMBERS ONLY)
24 APRIL KUNSTRAI
@RAI – www.kunstrai.nl
Art, drinks and lovely people: on Friday 24 April, Hello Zuidas is hosting a special members-only gathering during The Artist Night at KunstRAI, one of the oldest art fairs in the world. Enjoy drinks and snacks while admiring artworks and meeting the artists, who will be in attendance for this special night. There will also be small group tours led by professional guides.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: the city’s home away from home
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam occupies six historic 17th-century canal houses in what was once a bank along the Herengracht. These days, the hotel blends refined luxury and culinary excellence with an open and welcoming atmosphere. As well as a hotel, General Manager Jeroen Werdmölder says it’s a place to simply enjoy some downtime: a nice cup of coffee, a casual lunch, cocktails at the bar or a celebratory get-together. He says, “the hotel is above all warm, comfortable and open to everyone.”
You have worked in iconic hotels all over the world. How has that international background shaped your perspective on hospitality?
“Working in cities like New York, Beverly Hills and Abu Dhabi made me see that hospitality can mean vastly different things, but also what all of those things have in common. In the end, it’s always about thoughtful service. I took my
international experience back with me to Amsterdam, combined with Dutch pragmatism.”
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam has a reputation as one of Amsterdam’s top luxury hotels. So how do you keep it feeling open to everyone?
“It is an incredibly beautiful and luxurious hotel, but also feels very homely. And we
are open to all. In places like New York City, it’s completely normal for people to walk into a hotel to meet or have coffee or drinks – even if they’re not staying there. That open, vibrant hotel culture also suits Amsterdam very well. We love it when people use our hotel for an impromptu break in their day.”
Which parts of the hotel best lend themselves to this?
“The Peacock Lounge is one, where you can sit in a casual setting. And then there’s the Vault Bar, which not many people know about and is like a speakeasy in the building’s old bank vault. It’s an unusual space with a very distinctive feel; perfect for cocktails or a nice glass of wine.”
Jeroen Werdmölder
Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2026 Star Awards, once again granting Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam a Five-Star rating. The hotel has held this top distinction every year since opening 12 years ago and remains the only hotel in the Netherlands and surrounding countries with this rating.
You make a point of welcoming locals into the hotel. How are you doing that?
“Yes, we do look for ways to engage with the city. For instance, during Amsterdam 750, we ran a promotion where city residents could enjoy a coffee or cappuccino with a sweet treat in the Peacock Lounge. Hundreds of people came for that. Initiatives like this make the hotel feel more approachable and help people get to know it.”
We’ve also heard that the spa is exceptionally popular among locals.
“That’s right. Most of the Guerlain Spa’s guests are locals. I’d estimate that around ninety per cent are from Amsterdam and the surrounding area, and we’re often fully booked. Most of it’s word of mouth, and social media, too – people talk about it because it’s such a wonderful experience.”
What’s so different about that spa experience?
“It’s a complete wellness destination: treatments, swimming pool, steam room,
sauna. Plus, you’re in a very quiet part of the hotel, which opens out to the garden, so it really feels like a hidden oasis in the city.”
Speaking of the garden: that’s also unique for Amsterdam. “Absolutely. It’s the largest private inner garden in the entire city. It’s a spot where you can genuinely unwind, with benches, a pond, a fountain, and it’s a lovely spot to just sit, or to come out with your laptop. We deliberately keep it quiet. It’s a protected garden, so we can’t serve food or drinks there. We also recently planted more tulips, going from 6,000 to 8,000!”
In addition to the hotel, dining and spa facilities, you’re increasingly positioning this as a venue for events. What are the options?
“We have a wide variety of spaces available. A ballroom overlooking the Herengracht where you can host a seated dinner for eighty guests, three historic assembly rooms suitable for meetings
and dinners, and a private dining room, the Maurerzaal, with original 18th-century paintings. That’s a very special, intimate space with a single big table seating 12.”
For people who’ve never been inside the hotel, what would you like to say to them?
“Come in – yes, really! Stop in for a coffee, have lunch in the lounge or, after five, drinks at the bar. The Waldorf is a beautiful hotel enjoyed by everybody, for every occasion and open to all. We want everybody to feel welcome.”
HELLO ZUIDAS NEW YEAR’S PARTY
@ Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
Our Hello Zuidas New Year’s Party at Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas was a wonderful start to the year. On 29 January, members came together to enjoy drinks, bites and great music by Frits Friday DJs, while reconnecting and making new contacts. Some guests also joined the architectural tour of the iconic building. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped kick off 2026 in such a festive way!
Photography: Roxanne Wilm
TALENT SPECIAL
How Cees van der Spek Connects Talent, Innovation and the Future of Work
For many, the Zuidas is synonymous with glass towers, law firms and corporate headquarters. But behind the façades, a different story is unfolding. One of innovation, sustainability and a new generation redefining how and where we work. Cees van der Spek, Director at Edge, is right at the heart of that transformation. Through international networks, close ties with universities and hands-on tours for students, he helps bridge the worlds of real estate, talent and the future of work. “The next generation is not just our future workforce,” he says, “they actively shape how we design environments today.”
A role at the crossroads of markets and ideas
Cees has been with Edge for many years and operates at the intersection of external relations, strategy and market development. His focus is on connecting with potential clients across the Netherlands, Germany, the UK and other countries where Edge is active. He also represents the company in national and international networks, events and boards, including sustainabilitydriven platforms. Beyond that, he maintains strong links with educational institutions and contributes to Edge’s broader strategic direction. “Real estate is no longer just about buildings,” he explains. “It’s about ecosystems, partnerships and long-term impact. That requires you to stay connected to many worlds at once.”
Learning from the next generation
One of the most visible ways Cees connects those worlds is by guiding student tours around the Zuidas. What started some 15 years ago with Stanford University has grown into a broad network including MIT, ETH, Harvard, Maastricht University and TU Delft. “The new generation is the future of work itself,” he says. “In a few years, a large share of the workforce will be under 30. If we want to stay relevant, we must understand how they think and what drives them.
According to Cees, today’s students were shaped by the pandemic. Many began their studies in isolation, with online classes and limited social interaction. Now, they actively seek connection, collaboration and mentorship. “They don’t want to sit at one desk all day. They move between focus areas, informal meeting spaces and social hubs. They look for lively environments with good coffee, healthy food and room to meet others. Their energy and curiosity are contagious.”
Breaking the Zuidas stereotype
Introducing students early to the Zuidas is, in his view, essential. “We want the best people in the best places. Young professionals influence strategies, cultures and even investment choices. Their networks are incredibly valuable. Think of emerging AI companies and tech start-ups. They are future tenants, partners and colleagues.”
He also wants to challenge outdated perceptions. “The Zuidas used to be seen as closed and corporate. We show students
that it’s evolving into a mixed urban district where working, living and socializing come together.” He recalls hosting 50 Master’s students in Real Estate Finance from Maastricht University. “After an afternoon here, they left genuinely inspired and saw real career opportunities.”
Toward a 24/7 urban ecosystem
Looking ahead, Cees believes talent development on the Zuidas should span all levels of education. “From vocational schools to universities, we should offer internships, jobs and even housing
opportunities. If young people can study, work and live here, the Zuidas can grow into a true 24/7 city.” His vision is clear: a district where talent feels welcome, companies stay connected to new ideas, and buildings support healthier, more social ways of working. “If we open up the Zuidas,” he concludes, “we don’t just attract talent. We build a community that keeps renewing itself.”
Edge edge.tech
Fred Roeskestraat 115 1076 EE Amsterdam
The Netherlands
ZUIDAS’ REAL TALENT?
“It’s the business support professionals”
When people think about talent in Zuidas, they tend to picture lawyers and corporate partners. But according to Maud Creemers, founder of Creemers Recruitment, the real foundation of a successful law firm is something altogether different. Focused exclusively on supplying business support professionals for the legal sector, she sees every day just how indispensable a force they are. “They’re the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes. Firms simply cannot run without them.”
From student job to niche expertise
Maud developed an affinity with Zuidas back as a university student while working as a host and distributing publications that included Hello Zuidas. “That world of professionalism and ambition made a big impression on me.” After completing hotel school and a business degree, she landed in the recruitment world through a work placement. She started out in finance recruitment, but quickly switched to the legal sector, gaining inside experience of recruitment while working in-house at a major law firm for five years. “You get to see people come on board, advance through the firm and find their place. That was the best.”
Key link in a firm
When launching her own agency, Maud initially covered a broad range of legal roles, but her real interest was in business support. “I just really enjoy working with this group. To me, they’re the real talent of Zuidas.” What’s more, Maud says their importance is often underestimated. “The focus is usually on fee-earners. I understand why, but support staff are really the key link. Finding a good PA or secretary is just as challenging as finding a good lawyer.”
Recruitment without the hard sell Maud’s approach has nothing to do with cold calling: “I have a loyal client base and large
network, and my focus is on candidates.” She stays close to them via LinkedIn and over coffee, and conversations rarely start with vacancies. “I’m more interested in how someone experiences their work, what gives them energy and what doesn’t anymore. Sometimes people just want to talk salaries or career paths. Nurturing those connections is more important than instant placements.” She sees clear shifts in the market: roles are expanding, responsibilities growing and salaries rising accordingly. “These professionals are keen to develop, and firms that support this will come out on top.”
Your best talent isn’t looking for a new job. They’re deciding whether to stay.
For years, organisations have treated talent strategy as a front-end problem: attract the best people, win the war for talent, and trust that performance and loyalty will follow. But in a labour market shaped by chronic skill shortages, radical transparency, and an increasingly vocal workforce, that logic no longer holds.
Talent is no longer secured at the moment of recruitment. It is earned every day employees choose to stay. Our recent research on employer attractiveness from the employee perspective makes this shift impossible to ignore. A systematic body of evidence shows that what sustains commitment among current employees differs fundamentally from what attracts candidates in the first place. Organisations that fail to recognise this distinction are paying the price in disengagement, turnover, and a growing credibility gap between promise and reality.
What Actually Makes Employers Attractive
The evidence reveals a simple but often overlooked truth: employees do not experience an employer brand through external slogans. They experience it from within the organisation through leadership behaviour, daily work realities, and the organisation’s values, as they are enacted or violated over time.
Three sets of attributes shape this internal experience. Transactional attributes—pay, benefits, development opportunities, and job design—remain important. But contrary to conventional wisdom, compensation alone rarely explains why people remain committed. Its influence is contextual and often quickly exhausted. Competitive pay opens the relationship; it does not sustain it.
Relational attributes consistently emerge as decisive. Leadership quality, perceived organisational and supervisory support, workplace culture, authenticity, and work–life balance strongly shape how employees evaluate their employer. Talent stays not because of what is promised, but because of how it is treated, especially when expectations are tested.
Ideological attributes are increasingly influential. Organisational purpose, ethics, sustainability, and societal contribution matter deeply to how employees judge legitimacy and meaning. In an age of social media and radical transparency, employees themselves become the most credible and consequential brand ambassadors.
Crucially, these attributes do not operate in isolation. Their impact is filtered through individual differences such as age, career stage, hierarchy level, and personal values, and mediated by perceptions of trust, prestige, and identification.
Why Retention Is the New Employer Branding
One of the most striking insights from the research is how strongly internal employer attractiveness predicts outcomes leaders care about: lower turnover intentions, higher engagement, stronger commitment, better performance, and more positive word-ofmouth. Yet most employer branding efforts remain externally oriented—polished narratives aimed at candidates rather than lived meaning for employees. This is a strategic blind spot. When employees experience a gap between what the organization promises and how it actually operates, employees disengage. Some leave quietly. Others stay, but withdraw effort. And many share their experiences publicly, shaping reputation far more credibly than any recruitment campaign ever could. Retention, in this sense, is no longer just an HR metric. It is a strategic signal.
From Employer Brand to Talent Strategy
The organisations that win the talent game today are not those with the loudest messages or the most elaborate perks. They are those who design talent strategies around the full employee journey—anchored in leadership quality, meaningful work, development, and values that are lived rather than laminated. Doing this well requires more than good intentions. It requires leaders who understand how strategy, culture, and employee experience reinforce or undermine each other over time. Because the real question leaders face today isn’t : How do we hire the best talent? It’s: Why would our best talent choose us again tomorrow?
Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova
Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Leadership
Academic Director, VU Leadership Academy
Associate Dean, School of Business and Economics Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The VU Leadership Academy offers executive education for leaders at every level, using a unique multidisciplinary approach that blends neuroscience, technology, sustainability, business, philosophy, and the humanities to tackle today’s leadership challenges. We partner with organisations to create leadership development programmes that attract, engage and retain people across the entire employee journey. Please contact us to explore what we can do for you and your team. VU Leadership Academy: leadershipacademy@vu.nl
Talent with head and heart: Lotte Haens’ growth journey
Over the past 13 years, Lotte Haens has built a rich and varied career in the dynamic world of e-commerce, marketing and innovation at Philips. From product innovation in personal health to her current position as Amazon e-commerce expansion leader Europe, Lotte has consistently sought out roles that blend learning, connection and meaningful impact. For this issue’s Talent feature, she shares her vision on growth, working internationally and opportunities for new talent.
Learning from people and experience
Lotte says her development has been shaped not only by different jobs, but more importantly by individuals. “Managers, mentors and coaches always pushed me to stay curious and to reflect.” This mindset has led her through a wide range of positions, from close collaboration with R&D to marketing and portfolio management to direct customer engagement. It’s precisely this variation that powered her growth and broadened her outlook.
Technology with real-time impact
Lotte saw how technology, consumer behaviour and market strategy come together while working in personal health, which centres on solutions to improve everyday wellbeing, from oral and personal care to mother-and-child products. “That direct line from innovation to impacting people’s lives makes it special; you see the results of what you develop in real time.”
What is talent?
For Lotte, talent isn’t one specific thing: “It’s a constellation of capabilities and
mindset.” Everyone has talent, but it takes self-awareness and inquisitiveness to uncover it. Real strength comes from a synergy of skills and intrinsic motivation and needs to be trained through use, feedback and reflection. “You have to keep asking: is this working, can I do better, does it energise me?
Cross-border connections
Working in an international environment requires more than technical knowhow. Curiosity and sincere interest in others are equally essential. “Listen, ask questions and understand the context before you judge.” Clear, straightforward communication helps when dealing with differing interests, and being able to connect perspectives lets you build lasting partnerships.
Digital opportunities for new talent
E-commerce is evolving at speed and creating exciting opportunities for career starters. Those with a deep understanding of how consumers search, compare and buy online and an ability to translate that into strong content and integrated marketing can quickly add value. Lotte sees generative AI as a vital tool: “It’s not a gimmick, but an accelerator. Building the next digital proposition requires cleverly linking data, tech and behaviour.”
Stay authentic
Lotte’s advice to young professionals is simple. Focus on where you can make a real difference, she says. Invest in your strengths and make deliberate choices. Step back occasionally to reflect. “Stay authentic and choose work that energises you. That energy is contagious.”
FROM CIVIL ENGINEERING TO DATA SCIENCE: Tim is helping to build impact at Postcode Loterij
Tim de Ridder is still in the middle of his traineeship at Postcode Loterij, yet the 25-year-old data scientist is already working as a full-fledged member of their Group Data Analytics team. In fact, rather than a classic traineeship with departmental rotations, this is a a full-fledged job combined with intensive training. What attracted him in? The fact that the Postcode Loterij is an organisation where marketing and insights go hand in hand, where ideas get room to grow and everyone is working towards a shared mission: to raise as much money as possible for charities.
New ideas
With a civil engineering degree from TU Delft, working in data wasn’t an obvious choice for Tim. “Most of my work placements were at public and semi-public organisations, where I noticed processes are quite slow. I wanted an organisation where people are receptive to new ideas and where, if you have a good idea and work hard, you can actually make it happen.” He came across Postcode Loterij on a job site. “I thought to myself: I’ll check it out, and the interview really blew me away. The people and energy were great and you’re building something together.”
Doing the work
His traineeship is different to most. “Normally, you’d rotate to another department every six months, but here you actually work as a data scientist and on the job training. I’m literally working as a data scientist.” In addition, he’s doing a six-week training programme at Rewire (in Amsterdam), followed by several other training days. “You get both the theory and the practice, which makes it really cool.”
Data, marketing and a shared mission
Tim’s work zooms in on the participant ‘journey’, from initial engagement and
information needs to touchpoints and payouts. “There’s something new to explore at every step. How can we boost enjoyment? How can we improve our information?” Teamwork is crucial. “You can build the best model ever, but if marketing nixes it, then it’s all for nothing. Collaboration and trust are incredibly important.”
Seeing the impact off the job
While he is not directly engaged with good causes on a daily basis, organised outings and related initiatives ensure that the mission remains central every day. Describing a trip to Vlieland where the team visited partners and he got to see what participants’ contributions have made possible, Tim lights up. “In that moment, it hits you: this is what we’re doing it for.”
More information about working at the Postcode Lottery?
Tim de Ridder
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School.
At Winford Bilingual, we’re proud to offer a truly balanced 50/50 bilingual education in Dutch and English. Each class is led by native-speaking educators who specialise in bilingual teaching, creating a rich and authentic language environment every day. Children graduate with the ability to thrive in both Dutch and international settings - ready for the future, wherever it takes them.
• A choice of bilingual education with an option to move to a Dutch-only curriculum in group 6 (age 9)
• Dedicated focus on Dutch & English language development
• Emotional and social guidance to build confidence and resilience
• Small class sizes and flexible holidays
• Tailored academic support to prepare for Dutch or International Secondary School education
Bilingual Stream: groups 1-8
Stream: groups 6-8
Please contact us for a personal tour info@winford-bilingual.nl winford-bilingual.nl
“ Experience a Day as a Pupil at Winford”
PERSONALISED EDUCATION AT WINFORD AMSTERDAM
Claire Schirtzinger has worked in education for nearly twenty years. Three years ago, she moved to Winford Amsterdam, a private school in Amsterdam Zuid, near the Zuidas. Claire says the experience there is what every child deserves: smallscale education, individual attention, and truly personalised learning.
Small but strong
“Our classes average eight pupils,” Claire says, “which enables us to cater directly to each child’s needs. Whether a pupil has difficulty with maths or is outstanding at French: we tailor instruction to their level and learning style.” Pupils do a preliminary scan upon enrolling, mapping out not only cognitive levels, but also social and emotional dimensions. Based on that, the school draws up a personalised action plan.
Safety and trust
At Winford, safety, trust, and community are essential. “For pupils to learn effectively, they must feel seen and
heard,” Claire explains. “Some of our pupils struggled at their previous school, due to challenges like dyslexia, bullying, or high intellectual ability.” Here, they get the space to start fresh, with guidance that truly works.” Building a strong relationship with parents is key: “Mentors stay in regular contact, sometimes even visiting homes. And parents don’t have to wait for parent-teacher conferences - they can reach out anytime.”
Room for talent
In addition to all the usual school subjects, Winford also offers ample scope to explore individual talents. “We organise
outings, such as to Leiden University for maths workshops, and also invite parents to come in and share their own academic and career experiences. This gives pupils a broader picture of what’s out there.”
Children who wind up temporarily adrift, are also given a chance to grow at Winford. “On more than one occasion, parents have told us: ‘I’ve got my child back.’ That’s the best compliment imaginable.”
In closing, Claire extends an invitation: “Children are welcome to come experience what it’s like to be a pupil here for a day. Entry and class levels are flexible. Everyone deserves a place where they can develop into the best version of themselves.”
Text: Romy Lange & Lucie Lange • Photography: Marjolijn Tenge
PROFESSIONALS ON THEIR WORK FINANCE
Zuidas is teaming with finance talent, from young professionals just beginning to carve out a career path to seasoned specialists shaping international organisations. What unites them all is an inquisitive mindset, ambition and a love of solving complex problems. Five finance professionals share their work, their motivations and what energises them every day.
Ceriel Coppus
Company owner and tax partner at KC Legal Ceriel Coppus is co-founder of KC, a boutique firm in Zuidas focused on tax, legal, accounting and audit support. Locating here was a deliberate choice: “The global outlook, proximity of Schiphol Airport and dynamic playing field in the capital’s financial heart align well with our clients and professionals.”
His own finance journey began with a fascination for tax: “The puzzle of complex facts within constantly changing legislation keeps the work urgent and engaging.” What energises him, he says, is the mix of technical depth and entrepreneurship: building his firm, connecting people and continuing to develop. He has clear advice for starting professionals: “It’s not a choice between working hard or keeping up a social life, but about the capacity to pivot between the two.”
Cecilson Grazette
Senior tax manager at KC Legal Cecilson Grazette has worked in tax advisory since 2017, specialising in corporate taxation and cross-border structuring. As a native of Amsterdam, he feels right at home in Zuidas and knew what he wanted early on: “As a kid, we’d drive past Zuidas and I knew this was where I wanted to work one day.”
From starting out in a specialist role, he’s now growing into broader crossborder advisory work at KC Legal and says its wider impact makes the work compelling: “It goes beyond taxation and finance and really gets at the core of a client’s enterprise.” His advice? “Choose a direction that really interests you” and always keep digging: “Always try to understand the ‘why’ behind an issue.”
Alexander Karchenko
Reporting analyst at Baker McKenzie
Alexander Karchenko moved to the Netherlands in 2022 with more than 12 years’ experience under his belt. At Baker McKenzie Amsterdam he supports partners and practice group leads with reporting and insights. “My job is to deliver clear insights so we can tackle bottlenecks and limit financial risks,” he says. Zuidas made an indelible impression on him: “The energy of the place has stayed with me and continues to inspire me.”
During the pandemic, he switched from corporate communications to finance. “I discovered that I’m much more of a numbers guy. Numbers often paint a clearer picture of a company than words are able to.” He’s fascinated by the logic behind the graphs: “It’s like watching a heartbeat.” However, precision is key: “Reports guide important decisions, so you need to verify every single number.” His advice is to “develop a deep understanding of the processes” and “leverage all technologies, including AI” - but also stay sharp. “Critical interpretation and the ability to translate insights into real actions is what really matters.”
Capital markets consultant at CBRE
Marie Cras has been working in Capital Markets for over two years, where she advises clients on commercial real estate, with a focus on living and retail transactions and strategic advisory. The real estate market is very dynamic as is her work and that is exactly what she enjoys: “The range of assignments and assortment of clients make the work exciting and mean I’m constantly learning.”
Her interest in real estate began early, shaped by both her family background and her studies: “I often wondered about the complex decision-making underpinning new-build projects.” That curiosity has translated seamlessly into her career. “No two days are the same. I’m involved in very diverse projects at every stage, from pitch to closing.” Her advice: “Get as much hands-on experience as possible during your studies” and “get out there and network.”
Capital markets consultant at CBRE
Hein Huiskes is a Consultant within the Capital Markets team at CBRE in Amsterdam, where he advises investors and developers on strategic and transactional real estate investments. Working across Investment Properties, Debt & Structured Finance, and Real Estate Investment Banking, he focuses on the living sector, covering developments, standing assets, portfolio and platform transactions, and operational residential real estate.
He is particularly drawn to the intersection of societal and political challenges and capital markets. “Housing shortages, affordability, and sustainability require financially viable solutions,” he notes. “Translating these themes into wellstructured and value-accretive investment propositions and connecting them with the right investors makes the work both intellectually demanding and highly relevant.”
Hein Huiskes
Marie Cras
DRONES ABOVE ZUIDAS
Safety, Innovation & Control
Meet Boris Guntenaar, founder of Zero Gravity Drone, a drone specialist focusing on safety and responsible use of drones. He advises companies and public authorities on how to deploy drones safely and how to prevent unwanted use. During our Safety & Security Special in March, he will be one of the keynote speakers, guiding participants through the world of drones and showing what this technology means for an area such as the Zuidas.
How did you get into the world of drones and safety, and what fascinates you most about this technology?
“My passion for technology started at an early age, but my professional career initially began in the financial sector as an accountant. Although I learned a great
deal there, the innovation behind drones increasingly captured my interest. What started as pure curiosity quickly led me to take various training courses, where I met my current business partner, Robbert Kuijper, who was one of my instructors. Our company grew out of a shared vision
on quality and safety. Living in Amsterdam myself makes it even more special to be active here. What continues to fascinate me every day is the unique combination of freedom and precision: drones quite literally offer a new perspective on the world around us.”
What are some of the most surprising ways drones are currently being used in cities and business districts?
“At Zero Gravity, we make use of the full potential of drones. Just last month, for example, we flew over the Zuidas to
capture spectacular footage: images that are now displayed directly on the screens in the Atrium. The most surprising applications are not only the impressive visuals, but especially the “smart” use of drones for safety, asset management and real-time environmental data. We support enforcement and security services at major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Zandvoort. In addition to detecting drones through detection systems, we use aerial RGB and thermal cameras to provide insights into crowd inflow and outflow. Add to that the digitalisation of vital infrastructure such
as high-voltage grids, dikes and remotely operated drone-dock stations and it becomes clear: drones are becoming a permanent infrastructure layer above and around the city.”
What risks do drones pose for areas like the Zuidas, and what should companies be aware of?
“While the technology offers enormous opportunities, it also carries risks if it falls into the wrong hands. Companies should be alert to privacy issues and physical safety risks. However, in the hands of
Would you like to know whether a drone in your area is flying legally?
Check GoDrone.nl. If you see a blue area marked within the red airport zone, you can assume the flight is being carried out by a professional operator working in compliance with regulations. If you see a drone but nothing appears on the map, heightened alertness is advised.
What can visitors expect during the Safety & Security Special on drones? What insights or experiences will you share?
During the special, I will share the experiences and lessons I have gained in practice over recent years. Visitors will get a behind-thescenes look—from the latest drone technology to the (complex) regulations we deal with on a daily basis. Above all, I hope to show how we can organise the airspace above the Zuidas in a safe and functional way.
professionals, drones will increasingly offer positive possibilities. The key is to seize those opportunities while minimising risks through the right protocols and detection measures.”
What can you already do to prepare for unwanted drones or other security issues?
“Awareness is the first step. Parts of Amsterdam fall within controlled airspace (including the Schiphol CTR/ TMA). Professional drone flights require prior coordination and approval via GoDrone/LVNL.”
Safety & Security Network Special
DRONES (MEMBERS ONLY)
Drones have become an integral part of the urban environment. What do they mean for safety, privacy and risk in the Zuidas? During this special, experts will guide you through both the opportunities and the key considerations. A mustattend event for anyone interested in this topic!
Date Tuesday, March 24
Location: Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
If you would like more information about this event or the Safety & Security Network, please contact: Elisa.schouten@hellozuidas.com
Text: Elisa Schouten • Photography: Zero Gravity & DJI
MOBILITY
Carré Zuidas: travelling through
Anyone who regularly travels through the Zuidas will have noticed it already: the area is becoming busier. Not only because of traffic, but also due to construction activities, new routes and changing pedestrian flows around Amsterdam Zuid Station. To prevent the central area from becoming congested and confusing, the Carré Zuidas project was launched.
The Carré Zuidas project focuses on the future redesign of key streets in the central area of the Zuidas, such as Mahlerlaan, Beethovenstraat, Strawinskylaan and Parnassusweg. It is not just about traffic measures, but about how people move through the area and how different modes of transport can safely coexist.
Without adjustments, the area would become overloaded. The number of pedestrians and cyclists continues to grow, while construction projects and works put additional pressure on routes and intersections. Carré Zuidas therefore makes clear choices to keep the area clear, safe and well accessible.
More space for pedestrians and cyclists
An important principle of Carré Zuidas is that pedestrians and cyclists are given more space. This means wider pavements, more comfortable cycle paths and safer crossings. Streets will be designed to be calmer, with lower speeds and better sightlines.
the central area in the future
Public transport also benefits. Trams and buses will be able to move more smoothly, and stops will connect more logically with walking routes and Amsterdam Zuid Station. Cars will remain welcome in the area, but will play a less dominant role, improving traffic flow for all modes of transport.
Pleasant travel through the central area
Carré Zuidas looks beyond speed and traffic flow alone.
Public space will be made clearer and greener, contributing to more comfortable walking routes and a more pleasant travel experience, especially at busy times. Special attention is given to locations that are currently experienced as unpleasant, such as the underpasses at Parnassusweg and Beethovenstraat. By making these safer and more logical, important connections within the Zuidas will become more pleasant to travel through.
Phased development towards the final vision
The redevelopment of Carré Zuidas will take place in phases. There is a clear end vision for what the central area should look like, which is expected to be achieved around 2040. As the Zuidas will continue to develop intensively in the coming years, some measures will
be implemented on a temporary basis. At logical moments, these temporary solutions will evolve into a permanent design.
For some parts of Carré Zuidas, further research is still being conducted to determine the most effective design. For example, various options are being explored for Strawinskylaan to make the street future-proof. The outcomes of this research will determine which mobility solution is ultimately chosen. This keeps the plan flexible and able to respond to new insights and developments in the area.
Carré Zuidas is being coordinated alongside other major projects, such as Zuidasdok. By carefully aligning construction activities, the Zuidas remains accessible and travel routes are kept as predictable as possible.
Clear communication about accessibility for travellers, residents and employees in the area is essential for the Carré Zuidas project. In this context, the Zuidas Accessibility Taskforce is also involved. On 11 February, an information meeting was held in which participants were informed about Carré Zuidas.
Looking for a law firm to provide legal support for your merger or acquisition? DeBreij is the firm to call. According to research conducted by platform M&A Community, nearly a hundred companies turned to them in 2024. For major mergers or acquisitions, however, the go-to is A&O Shearman. Where you’re unlikely to get a female lawyer on the line: dealmaking is dominated by men.
Top rankings are familiar territory for Amsterdam law firm DeBreij, which is specialised in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions and handled more mergers and acquisitions (98 in total) in 2025 than any other firm. Coming in second, with ‘only’ 70 deals,
was Marktlink, which still ranked a more distant seventh on this list the prior year.
JB Law and Ingen Housz took respective third and fourth places in the top ten, in which the major Zuidas firms are noticeably underrepresented.
Deal value
High deal numbers don’t necessarily translate into high deal values, however, and the latter list is completely dominated by the big Zuidas firms. A&O Shearman took the lead with a total transaction value of €54 billion. The firm advised on 55 M&As, averaging €1 billion per deal. In second place was De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek (23 deals, with a combined value of over €41 billion and average of €1.8 billion apiece), followed by Clifford Chance (27 deals, combined value of €24 billion). To compare: DeBreij’s 98 deals were worth just over €1.4 billion, averaging out to slightly more than €14 million each.
Dealmaker
As well as recording the highest number of M&As overall, DeBreij partner Maurice Dudink personally handled 28 of them, meaning he was involved in more than a quarter of his firm’s transactions. This puts him just shy of being the most prolific dealmaker. That title goes to Corp’s Diederik Baas, who advised on 29 transactions, though with a lower combined value than Dudink’s. Matthijs
Ingen-Housz of the eponymous firm followed close behind, with 27 deals (combined value: €700 million). His firm specialises in advising startups, scale-ups and their investors on funding rounds and exits.
Still, his €700 million – the highest M&A value among the top ten dealmakers – pales in comparison with the €27 billion signed off by A&O Shearman’s Tim Stevens in a mere seven transactions. As team leader, he was responsible for the mega-merger of JDE Peet’s with Keurig Dr Pepper in August 2025, in which numbers two and three on the list – Jaap Barneveld (De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek) and Marc Habermehl (Stibbe) – were also involved. The latter two generated deal values for their firms of more than €21 billion and almost €16 billion, respectively, according to M&A Community’s estimates.
Two women
The top ten dealmakers by transaction value were all men. However, the top ten by total number of transactions includes two women: Henriëtte van Veen and Fleur Stout, each with 19 transactions to her name, both at Marktlink. Van Veen recorded a combined deal value of €195 million, Stout half this amount.
NEW MEMBERS
Hello Zuidas welcomes the following new members...
ISSOS B.V.
Number of employees: 45
Industry: Interior construction
Issos is a leading Dutch interior construction and fit-out company based in Aalsmeer that delivers superior functional interiors for complex commercial projects. Our single integrated team guides clients from consultancy and concept development through to bespoke production, fit out and final delivery, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and technical expertise. Our solutions are particularly well suited to office environments, as demonstrated in numerous projects in Zuidas.
1530 REAL ESTATE
Number of employees: 9
Industry: Real estate
1530 Real Estate is an enterprising real estate firm founded and run by committed, highly skilled partners. Based in Amsterdam, our close-knit multidisciplinary team is fast, efficient and agile. With a no-nonsense, personal, transparent approach, 1530 Real Estate provides tailored services in leasing, transactions, investments and consultancy across the Netherlands.
BEREID MET ZORG
Number of employees: 20 participants, 5 supervisors
Industry: Food services
Bereid met Zorg is a social enterprise with a professional production kitchen in Oosthuizen. We work with people with various backgrounds and support needs to prepare lunches, fresh meals and meal components. We operate locally and circularly, partnering with local organisations such as RAI Amsterdam. With VSME impact measurements and services that count fully towards SROI requirements, Bereid met Zorg contributes to sustainable, local, inclusive food chains.
NLMTD
Number of employees: 140
Industry: Consulting
The major transitions of our time call for collaboration. nlmtd helps organisations that are driven to do more – for people, for the climate, for the future. Strategic, innovative and sustainable, our approach is about joining forces to build an inclusive world in which everybody counts, achieving real impact together.
A.S.R. REAL ESTATE
Number of employees: 200
Industry: Financial services
a.s.r. real estate has been investing in real assets on behalf of institutional investors for more than 130 years. We manage unlisted funds in retail, residential, office and science park commercial properties, farmland and renewable energy in the Netherlands for professional investors, as well as real estate portfolios for separate accounts. a.s.r. real estate is part of a.s.r., one of the largest insurers in the Netherlands.
Photography: Milan Hofmans
BAMBOI
Number of employees: 4
Industry: Sustainable hygiene paper
Bamboi® is a sustainable hygiene paper brand founded by two students, Leroy Ranglek and Joseph Nickisch. We produce unbleached hygiene paper made from 100% FSC®-certified bamboo, the fastest-growing plant in the world. Bamboo grows without pesticides, needs less water and naturally regenerates after harvest. What started as a consumer brand has grown into business supply for SMEs, hospitality, municipalities and corporates across the Netherlands.
TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Number of employees:
607,000 (worldwide)
Industry: IT and technology services Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a global leader in digital transformation and technology, with more than 607,000 consultants across 55 countries. TCS supports organisations in driving innovation and sustainable growth through global technological expertise combined with strong local knowledge. The company has operated in the Netherlands since 1992 and is deeply rooted in Zuidas. TCS has also been the proud title sponsor since 2011 of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, one of Europe’s largest running events.
ACT COMMODITIES
Number of employees: 500 (worldwide)
Industry: Sustainable finance
ACT develops innovative environmental solutions that empower businesses worldwide to act on and achieve ambitious environmental goals efficiently and transparently. ACT simplifies the decarbonisation journey through solution discovery, optimised procurement, project development, digital decarbonisation tools and physical environmental products. Since 2009, more than 9,000 clients have partnered with ACT, leveraging its global regulatory, market, product and technical expertise to deliver measurable results worldwide.
THE FIRST EDITION OF THE FRANS OTTEN TROPHY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!
On the beautiful courts of the Frans Otten Stadium, Hello Zuidas members competed with passionate rallies on the padel court, exciting tennis matches and spectacular table tennis duels for the trophy and eternal glory! Special thanks to our partner Greenberg Nielsen for helping make this sporting event possible.
MEMO BOARD
Hello Zuidas at Horecava
Horecava, the largest food service trade fair in the Netherlands, is the premier place for hospitality professionals to gain inspiration, discover the latest trends and innovations, and network. It’s always nice to reconnect with familiar faces at Horecava, such as Michel Penterman of Boeren van Amstel. The Hello Zuidas Hospitality & Retail Team’s Angela Ham and Gordana Todorovic visited the event, which has been running for over 65 years, at RAI Amsterdam.
Expansion of the CubeHouse
Zuidas is getting better all the time! Only just completed, the stunning CubeHouse on the corner of Parnassusweg and Claude Debussylaan is already bursting with activity. Apple Premium Partner Amac is opening a 300-square metre flagship store there shortly, the largest APP outlet in the country. The chain specifically selected Amsterdam Zuidas for the launch of its first completely new location since 2018. “Amsterdam has the highest iPhone density in the Netherlands, and Zuidas is the financial heart of the country,” explained Amac’s managing director, Roelof de Rijk. Besides Amac, the CubeHouse will also boast the head office of Arcadis and the new European headquarters of BNP Paribas. The Amac store will open its doors late Q1 or early Q2 2026.
District council chair Bart Vink passes away
We are sad to report that our district council chair Bart Vink recently passed away at the age of 58. Bart Vink had chaired the Zuid district council since June 2022, with a portfolio spanning public order and safety, spatial planning, local economy, development and Zuidas. He was a speaker and guest at numerous Hello Zuidas events and worked hard to enhance the vitality of the area. We will miss him.
MARTINE GRÜNDEMANN NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ZADELHOFF
Zadelhoff announced a major change in leadership with the appointment of Martine Gründemann as the new managing director from 19 January 2026. She succeeds Maarten Feilzer, who is leaving the firm after 17 years. Martine combines this role with her position as director of Zadelhoff Development. In the coming period, Maarten will hand over his portfolio management responsibilities to a new head of asset management, still to be appointed.
22 januari 1967 - † 12 januari 2026
Zuidas is best known for being Amsterdam’s business district, chock-a-block with skyscrapers and scores of offices. More recently, however, the district has grown into a veritable urban neighbourhood and a great place to live and hang out. Many businesses have also discovered Zuidas, and with their arrival, the district has added a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, schools, fitness centres and places to drink and dine. Powering each of these establishments are entrepreneurs and employees with their own special, personal stories that we’re eager to share with you.
CREATIVE MEET THE...
JOEY BURNET
From Amsterdam-Zuidoost to Zuidas, Joey Burnet effortlessly straddles two distinct worlds. As social creative at music labels Topnotch and Noah’s Ark, the 26-year-old spends his days working with artists from the Dutch hip-hop scene. Meanwhile, he’s also building his own creative career, crafting videos, content and memorable meetings wherever his curiosity takes him.
Creativity
as a lifestyle
Joey’s music industry job is just one part of who he is. He’s also an entrepreneur with creativity in his blood: “I love making stuff and expressing myself in different forms. Many people may still know me from clips I made with friends, covering classic Dutch songs like ‘de 2 motten & André Hazes’. Later, Joey segued into being known as the weatherman of TikTok, and these days he’s a familiar face at Thursday and Friday after-work drinks in Zuidas. “My work is entertaining, educational and niche – very few people do exactly what I do.”
Powered by pride and people
It’s the people around him that motivate Joey day to day. “I’m carving out my own path with the help of my peers, creativity and freedom. Best of all, though, is when my kid brothers and sisters can say, ‘Hey, that’s my brother, look all the things he’s doing.’ Their pride is what powers me.”
Curious about Zuidas
It was pure curiosity that fuelled his first content about Zuidas. “I’m from Amsterdam-Zuidoost, which is a completely different bubble. It got me wondering: What does this world look like? How do these companies work? I wanted
to discover it for myself.” Joey now sees himself as a bridge builder: “I give people a look at life in Zuidas. That also makes it less of a leap for those wanting to explore worlds like this.”
Keep bursting bubbles
Joey has a clear message for readers of Hello Zuidas: “ I wanted to burst the bubble, I urge everyone to venture out into other worlds. Check out AmsterdamZuidoost sometime, take a walk across the market, see what else is out there. Stay curious and life will take you far.”
He’s also got a tip: “This summer, I’m hosting my own ‘Borrel’. Consider yourself invited!”
Text: Ruby van Oers • Photography: Roxanne Wilm
Joey Burnet
MEMBERS
01. 1530 Real Estate
02. ABN AMRO
03. Accendium
04. Accenture
05. Acquire
06. ACT Group
07. À Deauville
08. ACE + Company
09. Adagio Amsterdam City South
10. Adhoc Horecamakelaars
11. AFC
12. AkzoNobel
13. Albert Heijn
14. Albert Heijn Parnassusweg
15. amsterdam inbusiness
16. Amsterdam UMC
17. Amsterdam Eet
18. Amsterdamse Bos
19. Amundi
20. Arcadis
21. Arnold & Siedsma
22. Art of Hospitality
23. ARTZUID
24. ASR Dutch Mobility Office Fund
25. Asunaro Holland Interplan
26. Atrium Amsterdam
27. Avenue Services
28. Avis Budget Autoverhuur
29. Axpo Solutions AG
30. BACK FOOD
31. Bagels & Beans
32. Baker McKenzie
33. Bamboi
34. Bar Boele
35. BarentsKrans
36. Bar Restaurant Lucy
37. Bar Valdi
38. Being Development
39. Bereid met Zorg
40. Best Contact
41. Betaalvereniging Nederland
42. Bluey’s Coffee & Kitchen
43. BNP Parisbas Real Estate
44. Boeren van Amstel
45. Boontje Advocaten
46. Borgen Tax
47. Bouwens&
48. Bouwinvest
49. Boyden Global Executive Search
50. BPD
51. Breevast
52. BREIKERS
53. Broersma Nieuwbouw
54. Bruinsma Natuurlijk
55. Building Connect
56. Bundel.it
57. Business Secure
58. Café Sien
59. Cboe Clear Europe N.V.
60. CBRE B.V.
61. Changing Dishes
62. Cinema The Pulse
63. CIRFOOD
64. Clubsportive
65. CMS
66. Coffee & Coconuts
67. Cognito
68. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Europe) 69. Co-Office 70. Corporate Housing Factory 71. Corporate Sport Events 72. Cosmo Hairstyling Zuidas 73. Crossover (AM) 74. Crowne Plaza A’dam South 75. Customized Media
76. D&B The Facility Group
77. DE CLERCQ BOUW
78. De Hypotheker
79. De Japanner
80. Deloitte
81. De Kredieter
82. De Pizzabakkers | Zuidas
83. De Thomas
84. Dentons
85. Dickys Grand Cafe
86. Dils
87. Ditt Officemakers
88. DLA Piper
89. Doctor Feelgood
90. Doppio Espresso Amsterdam Zuidas
91. Drop Mobility
92. Dynamic Energy Trading 93. Ebbinge
94. Eden McCallum
95. Edge 96. Eefje Voogd Makelaardij
97. Element Amsterdam
98. Enterprise Netherlands 99. EMA (European Medicines Agency)
With an excellent business climate, worldrenowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors from many countries, the Zuidas has huge potential. The foundation Hello Zuidas contributes to the Zuidas by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions.
133. Heeren Makelaars
134. Heidrick & Struggles
135. Het Zwarte Fietsenplan
136. HOFF Amsterdam
137. Horta
138. Hotel & Wellness Zuiver
139. Hourglass
140. House of Sports
141. Houthoff
142. Htel Serviced Apartments
143. Hustle & Heart community consultancy
144. HVK Stevens
145. IEF Real Estate
146. IMA
147. Impact Institute
148. InAmsterdam
149. Innside by Melia
150. In2Matrix
151. Issos
152. Jeroen 020 Training/Coaching
153. Kaakchirurgie Zuidas
154. KC Legal
155. Kleurkeuze Image Consulting
156. KNAP Makelaardij
157. König + Neurath (Nederland) A.G.
158. Kraft Heinz
159. KRNWTR+
160. Lapeek
161. Lazzoni
162. Leafcloud
163. Lebkov
164. Leemstar
165. Leger des Heils
166. Le Grand George
167. Lexence
168. Lieven de Key
169. Limon
170. Lindenhoff
171. LMT Development
172. Lockerpoint
173. Loyens & Loeff
174. Luke Recruitment
175. Lunshof Makelaardij
176. Lyon Office Support
177. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V.
178. Maarten van Bokhoven – Stijl & Vorm
179. Magazine-Masters.nl
180. Manhattan Bar
181. Market 33
182. Matrix Innovation Centers
183. MBO College Zuid
184. Miele X
185. Mima Fresh Mediterranian
186. Molteni&C|Dada Amsterdam Flagship Store
187. Move Amsterdam
188. Multicopy Amsterdam Centrum
189. MyoReset
190. MyWheels
191. NatWest Markets
192. Nederlandse Ver. van Banken
193. Nedstede Real Estate
194. NewGround Law
195. NH Amsterdam Zuid
196. nhow Amsterdam RAI
197. Nicolaas Lyceum
198. Nijvest B.V.
199. nlmtd
200. Norton Rose Fulbright
201. Novotel Amsterdam City
202. NS Stations
203. Okta
204. Oliver’s
205. Olympisch Stadion
206. ONE-Dyas B.V.
207. Onemeeting.com
208. Optiver
209. ORAM
210. Oranje Energie
211. Ox & Bucks
212. PAN Amsterdam
213. Pancakes Amsterdam
214. Papa’s Loft House
215. Parella
216. Partou Kinderopvang
217. Peak Development
218. Philips
219. Pleo
220. Poké Perfect
221. Premier Suites Plus Amsterdam
222. Projectorganisatie OVAH
223. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok
224. Provast
225. Q-Park Nederland
226. Quades
227. RAI Amsterdam
228. Ramón Mossel Makelaardij
229. Regus
230. Renessence
231. Restaurant De Bosbaan
232. Restaurant Het Bosch
233. Restaurant Showw
234. RGA International Reinsurance
235. Rialto VU
236. Rivers
237. Rob Peetoom
238. Robert Walters
239. Roland Berger
240. Rosarium
241. Rosso Pizza Bar
242. Russell Investments
243. Russell Reynolds Associates
244. Sabic
245. Salsa Shop
246. Salsa Zuidas
247. Savills Amsterdam
248. Securitas
249. Selva
250. Shinyu Body & Mind
251. Simmons & Simmons LLP
252. Sixt
253. Sonora
254. SOS Kinderdorpen
255. Soupenzo
256. Specialists in Security
257. STACH
258. Stadsdeel Zuid
259. Stibbe
260. Stichting Jorisvrienden
261. Strand Zuid
262. Student Experience
263. Studiomeiboom
264. Summertime
265. Sushito Zuidas
266. SV RAP
267. Symphony’s
268. Taalcentrum – VU
269. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
270. Tax Consultants International
271. Taylor Wessing
272. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA)
273. The All Out
274. The Boston Consulting Group
275. The Breakfast Club
276. The CubeHouse
277. The Fair House
278. The July Twenty Eight
279. The School for Moral Ambition
280. The Sharing Group
281. The Swingers Club
282. The Upside Down Amsterdam
283. Tierra
284. TopBrewer
285. Topsport Amsterdam
286. TPEX International
287. Trainmore
288. Tribes
289. TrueTribe
290. TWENTYSIX
291. Usespace
292. Urban Gym Group
293. Urban Salad
294. Use/Space
295. Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
296. Van Lanschot Kempen
297. Vascobelo
298. VEBEGO
299. Vermaat Groep
300. Vermaz
301. Vesteda
302. Victory Group
303. Vitam
304. Von Poll Real Estate
305. VondelGym
306. VORM Ontwikkeling
307. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
308. VU | Griffioen
309. Wagamama
310. Watersportvereniging De Koenen
311. Wineboutique & Spirits
312. Wintertaling
313. WYNE Strategy & Innovation
314. WTC Amsterdam
315. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel
316. XO Optics
317. X2X Worldwide Express
318. YouLinq.me
319. Zadelhoff
320. Zero Gravity Drone
321. Zero Zero
322. Zone2Source
323. Zuidas Apotheek
324. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam
325. Zuidas Markt
326. Zuidas Publishers
327. ZuidasTravel.nl
Magazine Hello Zuidas is issued by Hello Zuidas invests in trees! How we do that? Through our sponsorship for Trees for All, we plant trees that restore existing forests.
Circulation Free for Zuidas and Amsterdam South. It is be distributed by promo teams, loose circulation, HRM departments of companies within Zuidas to guarantee reaching the (sub) target groups of Zuidas, Amsterdam and Schiphol.
Would you like to place an ad in Hello
Editor-in-chief Romy Lange
Art Director Emiel Brouwers • IMAGEAU
Translation Taalcentrum-VU
Final Editor Ellen Josée Westrik
Printed by PreVision Frequency Six times a year (bi-monthly)
Editors
Romy Lange, Ruby van Oers, Ilana Schmidt, Elisa Schouten, Gordana Todorovic & Carlo Wijers
