Barbera Wolfensberger Director-General for Kingdom Relations at BZK
Barbera Wolfensberger will be Director-General for Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). The Council of Ministers has agreed to this appointment, as proposed by Minister Rijkaart of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The appointment will take effect on 1 February 2026.
The Directorate-General for Kingdom Relations (DG KR) is responsible for the cooperation between the European Netherlands, the countries Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. This includes policy advice and interdepartmental coordination, as well as the planning, development, and implementation of incentive programs and projects in this region.
The task for the Director-General for Kingdom Relations within this collaboration in the coming years is to improve facilities on the islands, such as housing construction, the infrastructural network, and neighborhood development, and to increase the economic resilience and independence of the islands. This requires decisive action, diplomacy, a comprehensive approach, and an open and equal attitude. In-depth knowledge and understanding of the context, developments, and sensitivities of the various parts of the Kingdom (geographical, historical, administrative) is, of course, essential. The Director-General for Kingdom Relations is also expected to manage the reorganization of the DG KR effectively, paying attention to workload and incorporating diverse perspectives.
Vincent Roozen Secretary-General at BZK:
“I am delighted with the appointment of Barbera. She is an experienced Director-General who is used to working both in the complex power dynamics of The Hague and on the islands. She also has extensive experience working for and supporting government officials. Her vision of equal partnerships and her ability to lead strategically and empathetically make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. Her focus on connecting, listening, and understanding makes her the ideal person to bridge the gap between The Hague and the Caribbean islands within the Kingdom.”
Barbera Wolfensberger:
“I am really looking forward to putting my heart and soul into making a positive impact on the Caribbean islands within the Kingdom, together with my colleagues in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and in The Hague. There are many topics that connect us, and I am eager to explore these in further depth and wider scope. We can also sharpen our focus within the ministries in The Hague to work effectively, clearly, and expertly towards better collaboration and progress in and with all parts of the Kingdom. Wat een mooie uitdaging! Esta un reto bunita! What a beautiful challenge!”
Since July 2017, Barbera Wolfensberger is the Director-General of Culture and Media at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). Additionally, she is the portfolio holder for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom on the Executive Board of OCW for all OCW topics. Previously, she was Chief Marketing Officer at Telegraaf Mediagroep and from 2014 up and till 2027, chair of the Top Sector Creative Industry at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Before that, she was Chief Executive Officer at FHV BBDO and Head of Corporate Identity & Communications at HEMA. Barbera studied Communications at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences.
This appointment was made through the procedure for the top management group at the General Administrative Service. The Directorate-General of the General Administrative Service recruited for this appointment and supported the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the selection process. As per usual, the vacancy was widely advertised, so that everyone could apply.