Former Head of International Energy Agency, Maria Van Der Hoeven, Joins Rocky Mountain Institute’s Board of Trustees

October 29, 2015—Snowmass, Colorado—Today Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) announces the newest member to join its Board of Trustees. RMI is pleased to welcome former International Energy Agency Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven to the organization.

Maria van der Hoeven expertly led the International Energy Agency (IEA) as executive director over the past four years. During her tenure, she implemented a new global engagement strategy to unite and align the major energy players and addressed energy poverty by working to provide access to modern energy services for the 1.3 billion people worldwide who suffer from their lack.

Ms. Van der Hoeven helped navigate the IEA through a strategic reorganization in 2012 that allowed the agency to successfully confront contemporary energy challenges in the face of momentous change in the global energy economy. Further supporting her drive for global energy transformation, Ms. Van der Hoeven currently serves on the Advisory Board to the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative.

Beyond her involvement in global energy efforts, Maria van der Hoeven brings thirty years of experience in Dutch politics. She served as a member of the House of Representatives, as the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, and as the Minister of Economic Affairs. During her time in the latter position, Ms. Van der Hoeven demonstrated strong leadership on progressive energy policy at both national and global levels.

“Ms. Van der Hoeven’s impactful work on challenging modern energy issues makes her a valued addition to the Institute. We are thrilled to have her on the board,” said José María Figueres, Chair of the Board.

Ms. Van der Hoeven joins a remarkable team on RMI’s Board of Trustees, including José María Figueres, former president of Costa Rica; Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite; Thomas Dinwoodie, Founder and CEO of PowerLight; George Polk, Managing Partner of Tulum Trust; Roy Bedlow, CEO and Co-Founder of Low Carbon; John Abele, Founder and former Chairman of Boston Scientific Corporation, and others. The organization is pleased to continue forward with the support of its newest member as it continues with its mission to drive the efficient and restorative use of resources to realize its vision of a thriving, verdant and secure planet.