Jacqueline van der Voort and René Carrillo

30th edition of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year: renewal and ambition in partnership

EY Netherlands

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

5 minute read 23 Mar 2026

Read this article in Dutch.

With the renewed partnership with Van Lanschot Kempen, the anniversary year begins and so does a new chapter under the leadership of René Carrillo.

In brief:

  • The extended partnership strengthens ambition and leadership in the anniversary year.
  • Entrepreneurs navigate complexity with resilience, scenario thinking and personal attention.
  • The 30th edition brings renewal, deeper insights and a stronger ecosystem.

The thirtieth edition of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year marks more than an anniversary. It opens a new chapter in which renewal, entrepreneurial leadership and a strong ecosystem take centre stage. The two‑year extension of the partnership with Van Lanschot Kempen underscores this direction. Jacqueline van der Voort, Managing Director Private Clients Netherlands at Van Lanschot Kempen: “The choice to build the future together is a very deliberate one.” From her organisation’s perspective, the step is a logical one: “At Van Lanschot Kempen, entrepreneurship has been the foundation for nearly three centuries. We recognise the themes entrepreneurs are dealing with and see how they continue to evolve. By celebrating entrepreneurship together through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, that becomes even more visible. That’s why we’re pleased to extend our partnership with EY for the next two years.”

We understand both the challenges and the ambitions of entrepreneurs. Celebrating and recognising entrepreneurship through EY Entrepreneur Of The Year inspires us every year.

Jacqueline van der Voort

Managing Director Private Clients Nederland Van Lanschot Kempen

Growth and entrepreneurship

Looking ahead to the new year, the programme receives a fresh boost, while the ambition remains as high as ever. René Carrillo, EY Netherlands Private Markets Leader, highlights the importance of the collaboration: “The extension of the main partnership is a powerful signal for us. Van Lanschot Kempen has an exceptionally strong network of entrepreneurs who qualify for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition. In addition, they bring deep expertise on the financial challenges entrepreneurs face. That combination makes them an essential partner in the continued growth and renewal of the programme. After the stage and the spotlight, the real work begins: together with Van Lanschot Kempen, entrepreneurs continue building towards growth, a potential transfer or exit, and the thoughtful reinvestment of the capital that follows.”

For scale up entrepreneurs, securing a mortgage is often difficult. We start with a conversation about their ambitions, goals and direction. By truly understanding the entrepreneur and the business, it often does become possible.

Anniek Braat

Director Private Banking Entrepreneurs at Van Lanschot Kempen

How EY can help

Scale, impact, responsibility

Entrepreneurship today demands something different than it did thirty years ago. Growth is faster, decisions have wider impact and responsibility has increased. Yet the foundation remains the same: courage, vision and perseverance continue to drive success. René explains: “Scenario thinking is essential for entrepreneurs to stay resilient. The combination of regulation, geopolitics and technology requires multiple scenarios, not a single path. And one principle must stay at the centre: preserve the human scale in your company and keep the spark alive. Not just pushing through, but acknowledging failure, sharing what goes wrong and acting on it.”

 

Growth is not a straight line. “Sometimes leadership means adjusting course, pausing or even making room for someone else. It requires ego‑less decision‑making, creating space for feedback and actually using it. Leadership is about resilience, adaptability and protecting both continuity and spirit. The entrepreneurs who dare to do this are the ones who make the difference.”

 

Community and coaching

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is not just a competition, it is a community where entrepreneurs strengthen one another. René explains: “What’s powerful is that entrepreneurs meet others who struggle with the same issues. It’s incredibly valuable to talk and brainstorm with peers and like‑minded leaders.” The programme offers guidance, coaching and a network that extends far beyond the stage. Alumni mentor nominees, entrepreneurs exchange insights, and networks are actively connected. It’s a practical answer to the well‑known ‘lonely at the top’ feeling. Within this community, entrepreneurs find recognition, direction and renewed energy.

Scenario thinking is essential for entrepreneurs to stay resilient.

René Carrillo

EY Netherlands Private Markets Leader

Anniversary edition: renewal with substance

Nominees in the thirtieth edition can expect renewal, deeper insights and sharper choices. Jacqueline explains: “Every year we try to raise the bar: casting a wider net for candidates, forming a strong jury and applying our learnings to continuously improve.” The formats evolve as well. “Last year we introduced the jury dinner, and we keep refining the events.” The anniversary is therefore not just about looking back, but primarily about looking ahead: a more modern, broader and content‑driven approach to entrepreneurship, visible on the platform throughout the year.

An ecosystem that grows with entrepreneurs

The strength of the programme is not only on stage, but in the ecosystem around it. A network of investors, partners and alumni opens doors, shares insights and strengthens entrepreneurs. The approach remains grounded in reality: listen first, then act; first the person and the plan, then the paperwork. As Jacqueline puts it: “We have a guiding role.” Personal attention plays a major part in that guidance. During a training session in Brussels, René saw how curiosity creates instant connection. “Genuine attention, curiosity and interest in the person, that is exactly what entrepreneurs need to grow sustainably.”

Transitioning towards the future

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year stands at the brink of renewal. Jacqueline puts it succinctly: “It’s always good to have a fresh wind blowing. Someone with a different perspective and a different way of looking at things. René brings that, I see him as an extra engine behind the programme.” Innovation in events, a new jury, sharper selection, strong services and a growing network make the thirtieth edition distinctive: a moment to celebrate, and above all, to look forward to.
 

For more information about the programme see: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Nederland (Dutch).

Summary

The 30th edition of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year marks a new chapter with renewal, deeper insights and an extended partnership with Van Lanschot Kempen. Entrepreneurs find a community that supports them with scenario thinking, coaching and personal attention. The program evolves with new formats, sharper selection and a growing ecosystem of partners, investors and alumni. The anniversary year is not only about looking back, but above all about looking ahead and strengthening entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

About this article

EY Netherlands
Multidisciplinary professional services organization
Related topics
Entrepreneurship
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

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