Managing Director Martijn Paulen announces departure from Dutch Design Foundation as of 1 January 2026

When Paulen joined DDF in 2013, he could not have foreseen staying for so long. “It quickly became clear what an incredible adventure it would be. I fell in love with the design field and was given the opportunity to shape our programmes – from Dutch Design Week (DDW) to strengthening DDF’s national position and expanding its role as a connector in the design field. Always together with inspiring colleagues, the design field, and partners who place their trust in us. In the year DDW celebrates its 25th edition, I look back on 12.5 years of involvement. It doesn’t get much better in a career. For me, this feels like the right moment to challenge myself anew and to embrace renewal,” says Martijn Paulen.

Under Paulen’s leadership, DDF has grown into a leading non-profit organisation that actively harnesses the power of design to drive societal change. At the same time, Dutch Design Week has evolved into one of the largest design events in the world.

Frank van Es, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, comments: “We are truly sorry to see Martijn leave and deeply grateful for the 12.5 years of progress he has brought, always driven by wholehearted passion and energy. Martijn is a true connector, convinced to his core that collaboration and giving others a platform is the surest path to impact. He navigated effortlessly between government leaders and design students in their studios, between CEOs and makers – always with the ambition of advancing the design field. This is reflected in the remarkable network he has built around DDF.”

The Supervisory Board will launch a careful recruitment process to find a successor to continue and expand the current course. Because Martijn has announced his departure well in advance, there is sufficient time for a smooth handover – providing confidence in the future.