On 5 November, General Manager of Witteveen+Bos Karin Sluis was named European CEO of the Year 2018 at a gala dinner in London. The election is organised by the British Association of Consulting Engineers (ACE). The annual award, which was presented for the eighth time last night, is aimed at highlighting exceptional leadership and best practice from European engineering and consultancy firms. The jury praised Sluis for her commitment to sustainable development goals in all projects and activities of Witteveen+Bos and her commitment to creating innovative workplaces and employee development.

Three winners of the CEO awards, including Karin Sluis, were announced during the award ceremony. Jury chairman Roger Flanagan: 'We awarded the three prizes for very different reasons. All three winners have made a great contribution. They have shown great leadership, great qualities and they are special in different ways. The winners are a tribute to the engineering profession and some even describe them as visionary.’ The other two winners were Gerry Carty of RPS and Ciarán Kennedy of Barrett Mahony Consulting Engineers.

In addition to her commitment to sustainable development goals, innovative workplaces and employee development, the jury indicated that Sluis's approach has led to a significant increase in the number of employees at Witteveen+Bos and an increase in profit margin. Sluis has made an impressive contribution to the engineering industry with tangible results, including attracting young people to the consultancy and engineering profession.

Nomination by NLengineers
Karin Sluis was nominated by the board of Royal NLengineers because of the convincing way in which she manages to link the work of Witteveen+Bos to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. She strengthens the connection between social challenges, scientific research and practical (educational) application and engineering work. Jacolien Eijer of NLengineers: 'Karin is able to continue to link inspiring leadership to the human dimension. She is an accessible example to many both inside and outside Witteveen+Bos.'