René Takens strengthens Supervisory Board RAI Holding B.V.

René J. Takens (67) has joined the Supervisory Board of RAI Holding B.V. as of 1 November 2021. Otto Ambagtsheer, CEO of VIA Outlets, has been appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RAI Amsterdam as of 1 September 2021.

RAI Holding B.V., 100% shareholder of RAI Amsterdam B.V., welcomes René Takens as its fifth member of the Supervisory Board together with Annemarie van Gaal, Otto Ambagtsheer, Marielle de Macker and Michiel Boere. René was CEO of the internationally listed Accell Group N.V for 20 years. In addition, he held and still holds several supervisory directorships. René was previously closely involved with RAI Holding B.V. as member of the RAI Association, RAI Holding’s majority shareholder. René will also join the audit committee.

Otto Ambagtsheer joined the Supervisory Board of RAI Holding B.V. in October 2020 and was appointed chairman of the Supervisory Board as per 1 September 2021. Otto is CEO of VIA Outlets, known for its premium fashion outlets across Europe such as Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet. Previously, he was regional managing director Benelux at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and has held various positions at Schiphol Group, among which at Schiphol Real Estate. Annemarie van Gaal has been appointed as vice-chairman of the Supervisory Board per 1 September 2021.

Future ambitions of RAI Amsterdam

RAI Amsterdam has the ambition to be more connected with the city and its inhabitants. In the spatial vision for 2030, initiatives have been combined to improve the image on and around Europaplein, reduce the number of logistical movements and increase the connection with the city. This plan provides, among others, for a green multifunctional residence with space for business, recreation, public catering and neighbourhood functions.

RAI provides economic impulse for the Amsterdam region

The events with take place at RAI’s exhibition and conference centre provide an economic boost for Amsterdam and its surroundings. Over 31,500 hotel reservations were processed by RAI in 2019, the last year before the Corona crisis, accounting to more than 105,000 overnight stays. In addition to hotels, the cultural sector, entertainment venues and retail trade also benefited from these visits. Paul Riemens (CEO of RAI): "Every euro spent in the RAI leads to an expense of around seven euros in the Amsterdam region. Think of hotel stays and spending in the hotel and catering industry, museums and the retail trade. In short: our events are good for turnover and employment".

René J. Takens