Who Qualifies for the Young Captain Award?

Candidates for the Young Captain Award are young leaders who stand out in their field. They demonstrate a vision-driven leadership style and operate from a broad, internationally oriented perspective. Candidates have the ambition to make an active and targeted contribution to a sustainable society from their position. They are people of whom their company or organization has high expectations.

Nomination is now closed

Goal & Target Group

We focus on the next generation of business leaders at the highest level within the enterprise. These talents are offered a valuable experience, a real business challenge, a unique development opportunity, and a lasting network of like-minded leaders.

Young Captain offers a platform to top talents operating just below the corporate top — leaders who distinguish themselves because they can make a real difference to the business and to their environment. Leaders with an international mindset and a clear vision on society, who are engaged and have demonstrated that they can genuinely make a difference. Companies hold high expectations of these candidates and view them as the decision-makers of the future.

Each year, the CEO's of leading companies in the Netherlands are invited to nominate a young leader. All nominees participate in the two-day Young Captain Program, where they gain insight into the dynamics of the boardroom. The new Young Captain receives an engaging and challenging year-long program.

Participation Details

Company Profile

Dutch companies, or companies of Dutch origin, with an annual turnover of approximately 250 million euros.
International companies with a clear and substantial presence in the Netherlands.
Growth companies that are demonstrably on track to reach this revenue threshold and have the potential to achieve it within the foreseeable future.
Influential family businesses with a leading position in their market.

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One candidate may be nominated per organization. We encourage organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to promote talent development within their organization and sector. Participation in the Young Captain Program and the Young Captain Award is free of charge.

Participant Profile

You have proven leadership experience and currently lead a key business unit, operating company, or geographic region.
You are comfortable working in international contexts and feel at home in diverse cultural environments. You think and act with a global perspective.
You have direct interaction with top management and contribute substantively to strategic decisions within your organization.
You follow technological and digital developments closely and understand how they impact business operations, customer behavior, and strategy.
You are socially engaged and actively contribute to society, through your work or personal initiatives.
You are between 33 and 39 years old and have gained the necessary experience as a leader within your field.
ou are familiar with the Dutch language, culture, and societal context.