Nexstep appoints new general manager

Nexstep, a Dutch national platform for re-use and decommissioning, has appointed Jacqueline Vaessen as its general manager, with effect from February 1, 2018.

Nexstep said on Monday that Vaessen would be responsible for day-to-day management and further expansion of the association whose ambition is to encourage cooperation in the area of ​​re-use and decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure in the Netherlands.

She said: “I feel that everything I have done in recent years, in my studies and my working life, has led me to this position as general manager of Nexstep. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with this challenge and want to contribute with my knowledge and experience to the challenges we face in the Netherlands in the ​​re-use and decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop creative and innovative solutions.”

With a background in chemical technology engineering and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Vaessen started her career in 1989 at Shell Nederland Chemicals. In 1996, she switched to the world of innovation at Syntens. In 2004, she decided to go into business for herself and, within her business, focused increasingly on sustainability; aimed both at energy saving within the industry, but also in alternative ways of generating sustainable energy.

Vaessen entered politics in 2015 when she became a member of the Provincial Council for Utrecht Province and spokesperson for energy and economy.

Nexstep is an initiative of EBN, representative of the Dutch state in all Dutch oil and gas projects, and NOGEPA, the industry body for oil and gas producers in the Netherlands.

The platform was launched at the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference in October, 2017, with a mission of serving as an inclusive and collaborative umbrella organization that coordinates, facilitates, and seeks dialogue on the re-use and decommissioning agenda for oil and gas infrastructure in the Netherlands.