Flevum Sustainability Circle with De Bijenkorf: the Road to the “why” of Sustainability in a Changing Landscape

4 November 2025

Flevum Sustainability Circle with De Bijenkorf: the Road to the “why” of Sustainability in a Changing Landscape

Chiel Van Leeuwen
Head of Sustainability, Communication en PR
Sustainability Circle Sustainability Circle Sustainability Circle

Partners of this Event

About the Topic

During this Vision Dinner, Chiel van Leeuwen, Head of Sustainability, Communication and PR at De Bijenkorf, will share the company’s strategic approach and how it actively works with the value drivers of sustainability. Central to his story is the question: why do we do what we do?
Although the value drivers remain the same, the external context is constantly changing. Sustainability has become a strategic game with shifting rules, which requires continuous adaptation of the strategy, without losing sight of the long-term goal. Chiel will discuss how De Bijenkorf navigates this dynamic environment, influenced by changing laws and regulations, customer expectations and social pressure.

This event is part of the exclusive Flevum Sustainability Circle.

Target Audience

Sustainability leaders

CPD Points | 2 points

Program

17:30 | Start of program (including presentation, discussion and 3-course dinner)
20:30 | End of formal program, opportunity for informal networking

Language: English

Location

Restaurant Bistronoom, Woerden

About the speaker

Chiel Van Leeuwen

Chiel Van Leeuwen

Head of Sustainability, Communication en PR

Chiel van Leeuwen is Head of Sustainability, Communication & PR at de Bijenkorf, where he leads the transition to a sustainable and responsible department store. Under his leadership, de Bijenkorf has set ambitious sustainability goals, including the objective that a third of all sales will be sustainable in 2030. With previous positions at Vandebron, Heineken and IKEA, he brings extensive experience in the field of sustainability and communication, which he uses to increase internal engagement and stimulate strong collaborations with brands.

More on the subject

Sustainability has been in De Bijenkorf’s DNA since the beginning. Under the previous shareholder, it was naturally part of the mission – no explanation was needed. But as expectations changed, De Bijenkorf was challenged to articulate more clearly why it is committed to sustainability.
During this Vision Dinner, Chiel van Leeuwen, Head of Sustainability, Communication and PR at De Bijenkorf, will share the company’s strategic approach and how it actively works with the value drivers of sustainability. Central to his story is the question: why do we do what we do?
Although the value drivers remain the same, the external context is constantly changing. Sustainability has become a strategic game with shifting rules, which requires continuous adaptation of the strategy, without losing sight of the long-term goal. Chiel will discuss how De Bijenkorf navigates this dynamic environment, influenced by changing laws and regulations, customer expectations and social pressure.

This evening offers valuable insights into finding a balance between long-term goals and continuous change, and sets the stage for an open discussion about building a future-proof business model in uncertain times. We look forward to welcoming you!