Toine Ramaker appointed new CEO of VEI and Water for Life

09-09-2021

As from 15 September, Toine Ramaker will start as the new CEO of VEI and the Water for Life foundation. Toine is currently Regional Manager at VEI and is experienced in water utility management, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Toine succeeds Marco Schouten, who was appointed director of Agriterra.

“Working internationally in the water sector is the common thread in my career,” says Toine Ramaker. “I like the fact that I can take my international experience and knowledge with me in this position. In my new role, I will continue to work with all colleagues on the VEI and Water for Life strategy to increase our SDG6 (Sustainable Development Goal 6) impact, increase the quality of our WOP (Water Operator Partnerships) collaboration with emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and work on the CO2/climate agenda.” 

Before joining VEI in 2012, Toine worked in various management positions at Dunea and KWR and after 2012 complemented his experience with postings in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. “We are convinced that Toine, with his experience and vision, will give a successful follow-up to the VEI and Water for Life strategy,” said Annette Ottolini (CEO Evides Waterbedrijf) and Jelle Hannema (CEO Vitens), shareholders of VEI.

About VEI
VEI is an initiative of seven Dutch water utilities (Vitens, Evides Waterbedrijf, Waterbedrijf Groningen, Brabant Water, WML, WLN and PWN) who are committed to SDG6 of the United Nations: sustainable water and sanitation for everyone. Established in 2004, VEI has developed into an effective organization, active in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and South America. VEI implements peer-to-peer supported partnerships between water operators, aiming at sharing knowledge and skills to make the utilities stronger, financially healthier, and more resilient. Residents in low-income areas are supported with investments to increase access to improved water services.

About Water for Life
Water for Life is a foundation of five Dutch drinking water companies: Vitens, Evides Waterbedrijf, Waterbedrijf Groningen, WML and PWN. The Water for Life foundation believes that everyone worldwide has the right to receive reliable drinking water and sanitation services. With voluntary donations from Dutch customers, people in low-income areas worldwide get access to clean drinking water and/or sanitation. These projects are prepared and implemented in collaboration with  the local water utilities, who also assume Operation and Maintenance of the new infrastructures. Since its inception in 2004, Water for Life has provided 1.5 million people in countries including Ghana, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi and the Philippines with access to drinking water and/or sanitation.