Melanie Maas Geesteranus, chief executive of Porticus, is to step down after six years at the helm. 

The global philanthropy, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and with a total of 14 offices across the world, focuses on an array of issues including criminal justice, education and the environment.  

In a statement, Porticus says that Geesteranus ‘ensured that the primary focus [of Porticus] was always on the needs of its partners and the people they serve.’ 

Eric Brenninkmeijer, chair of the philanthropy committee, praised the outgoing CEO.  

‘We would like to thank Melanie for bringing her energy, passion and commitment over the past years to make Porticus a more impactful organisation.’ 

Geesteranus joined Porticus in April 2018. She previously worked at the United Nations, the World Bank and multinational organisations such as the World Economic Forum.  

She also served in government, with positions in several Dutch cabinets with portfolios in international development aid and the environment.  

Geesteranus also worked as director at Achmea Zorg Healthcare Insurers, one of the largest insurance providers in Europe.  

Shafi Musaddique is the news editor at Alliance magazine.