Ton Hugens, HHNK's New Executive Secretary

At the June 24, 2026, meeting of the General Board of the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board, Ton Hugens was appointed Secretary-Director. Ton Hugens currently serves as Director of Public Institutions and Oversight/Authority for Housing Associations at the Inspectorate for the Environment and Transportation (ILT). 

Ton Hugens will succeed Martin Kuipers, who is set to retire in October 2026. Martin Kuipers has served as HHNK’s secretary-director since 2002. As secretary-director, Ton Hugens will become the organization’s director and chief advisor to both the executive board and the general board. He will assume his position on September 30, 2026. 

Extensive experience in tackling tomorrow's water challenges 

Remco Bosma, dike reeve and chair of the selection committee: “Serving as secretary-director entails a significant social impact in a complex and dynamic field of work where collaboration is of the utmost importance.” With Ton Hugens, HHNK is gaining a secretary-director who has extensive leadership experience in public administration—experience that is essential for bridging the gap between the board and the organization and charting a course for the water management challenges of tomorrow.’

Ton Hugens is no stranger to HHNK. He served as director of operations at HHNK from December 1, 2011, to December 31, 2017.

Continuing to Build on Our Ambitions  

Ton Hugens: “After nearly 9 years, I’m returning to a familiar and cherished place. Back then, I had the great pleasure of serving as Director of Operations at HHNK. The collaboration with my colleagues and the board, as well as the meaningful and wonderful work of HHNK, has always stayed with me. I am therefore proud that the board, the Works Council, and the organization have placed their trust in me to take on the role of Secretary-Director. I look forward to continuing to build on the ambitions of this wonderful water board together with all my colleagues, the board, and the local community.”