Ron Voskuilen hands over the reins to Carolien Lavooij
After six years, Ron Voskuilen will step down as General Director of CHIO Rotterdam following the upcoming edition. Carolien Lavooij-Verheul will take on the combined role of Board Chair and Director of CHIO Rotterdam. This aligns with efforts to streamline the organization. Ron will remain involved behind the scenes for a while to complete several organizational transitions.
During his tenure, Ron guided CHIO through the COVID crisis and elevated the event to a higher sporting level, notably joining the prestigious Longines League of Nations™. He also helped reshape the event to enhance the experience for riders, visitors, and sponsors alike.
The move toward a director-chair model is part of a strategy to manage rising costs and the evolving sponsorship landscape.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ron for his decisive and innovative leadership,” says Carolien Lavooij. “The events industry has weathered turbulent times, and equestrian sport is evolving. Ron was instrumental during the pandemic and has taken essential steps to secure the future of CHIO.”
Sporting Director Patrick van der Meer: "In recent years, sport has clearly returned to being the top priority at CHIO Rotterdam. With a top-tier programme, a strong field of competitors, and glowing feedback from riders, owners, and chefs d’equipe. I’m very grateful to Ron for that."