Madeline van der Rhee returns to De Haan as CEO

Nov 11 | 2024

The leadership of De Haan Relocation will change as of January 1, 2025.

De Haan Relocation NetherlandsMadeline van der Rhee will return to De Haan Relocation in the Netherlands as its CEO on 1 January, 2025.  The appointment follows five years in which Madeline worked as Benelux manager for Gosselin. 

Madeline was born and raised in De Haan’s home town, Alblasserdam, and worked at De Haan in different management roles until five years ago. Michiel de Haan, 8th generation Owner of De Haan, who has managed the company for the last 18 months, will hand over the reins at the beginning of 2025 while remaining CEO of De Haan Group. Madeline will lead the management team consisting of Linda Rovekamp (CCO; Commercial Director) and Edwin Ros (Finance).

“I am proud that Madeline returns after five years at Gosselin,” said Michiel de Haan.  “She has been a highly valued employee since 2011 and I was very disappointed when she left five years ago. Fortunately, she now returns with five years of extra experience under her belt. I think she makes a fantastic couple with our CCO Linda Rovekamp. It is with great confidence that I will take a step back and operate in a more distant position as CEO of De Haan Group. Having two female directors at a moving company is unique. I have a lot of confidence in them. They have proven to be professionals in this extraordinary industry.’’

“After having left De Haan five years ago, I am looking forward to this new challenge,” said Madeline van der Rhee. “I am extremely proud of our almost 248-year-old family business and look forward to being part of the journey gearing towards the celebration of our 250th anniversary in 2027. We have an excellent management team, highly skilled and driven colleagues, wonderful customers, an excellent international partner network and modern equipment. I therefore have every confidence in the future.”

“I look forward to the next step in this journey and the arrival of Madeline,” said Linda Rovekamp (CCO).  “Together, and with her experience, we can join forces and continue to build this family business. Seven years ago, I chose De Haan for its rich history, but especially its vision, empowering people and its core values on topics such as inclusivity, equality and diversity. Together with Madeline, I look forward to continuing this journey and distinguishing ourselves as a unique family business.”

Madeline is 36 years old, married and lives in Alblasserdam, Netherlands. In addition to her Bachelor's degree in Commercial Economics and Master's degree in Economics & Business in Rotterdam, she completed an Executive Master's degree in Business Administration at the renowned Nyenrode University. Madeline is an avid endurance athlete and has successfully completed several triathlons and marathons. She also works approximately one day a week as a personal trainer to provide training, advice and guidance to various target groups in the field of sports and exercise.

Photo (left to right): Madeline van der Rhee, Michiel de Haan, Linda Rovekamp.