Board Meeting Wrap-up | November 2024
The Lovinklaan Foundation Board convened in London for the final in-person meeting of the year in mid-November. We are pleased to share highlights from a dynamic and productive week filled with discussions, collaboration, and exciting developments!
Strengthening Connections and Strategic Planning
The Lovinklaan officers held a planning meeting a week before the board meeting to outline strategic priorities, craft core messages for Arcadians, and assign workstream leads to drive upcoming initiatives. The results of this session were shared with the full Board during the official meeting. This helped us lay a solid foundation for the impactful programs we aim to deliver in the coming years.
We also met with Alan Brookes (Arcadis CEO) and Mark Cowlard (Arcadis Chief People Officer) to discuss the alignment of Lovinklaan programs with Arcadis’ strategic ambitions. Together, we explored ways to ensure our initiatives drive maximum value for Arcadians and the business. Before this meeting, a dinner with Alan, Mark, and Edel Christie (Chief Growth Officer) provided a warm and engaging setting to deepen relationships between Lovinklaan Board members and Arcadis’ Executive Leadership Team.
Regional Insights and Celebrating Achievements
Our meetings with the Business Area Directors for the UK & Ireland provided valuable insights into regional challenges and opportunities. Discussions with local leaders on initiatives driving DEIB, innovation, and other priorities offered a deeper understanding of their relevance and impact.
The Board also reviewed year-end reports of programs, celebrating 2024’s achievements and identifying areas for growth in 2025. A highlight of the week was meeting one of this year’s Imagine winners, Martina Girvan and her team, who developed the innovative Biodiversity Dashboard. Their work exemplifies the drive of Arcadians worldwide, and we are excited to see how this tool scales to create greater impact.
Engaging with Arcadians
Engagement with Arcadians was a cornerstone of the week. We held two highly successful town halls—an online session with 280 participants and an in-person gathering for London-based staff. Both sessions fostered dialogue and highlighted how Lovinklaan’s programs and initiatives can empower Arcadians, helping them unlock opportunities for growth and development.
Additionally, we hosted a dinner with 15 Arcadians representing diverse areas of the business, including Architecture & Urbanism, Intelligence, and the three GBAs. This gathering highlighted the cross-functional collaboration central to our programs.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to launch a new program next month, this meeting reinforced our commitment to fostering opportunities for growth and innovation across Arcadis. Reflecting on lessons learned, the Board discussed ways to enhance our effectiveness in fulfilling Lovinklaan’s mission.
This week in London was a culmination of the year’s efforts and a launchpad for even greater achievements in 2025. We thank all Arcadians and leaders who contributed to this productive and inspiring gathering!
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