Nicole Maarsen Appointed as Chair of ULI Netherlands

As chair of ULI Netherlands, Nicole Maarsen will prioritise research and knowledge-sharing relating to pressing issues such as rising inequality, housing affordability, and climate change – bringing to light ways in which the real estate industry can have a positive impact. Understanding that the input of the next generation is key in finding solutions to these issues, she will also prioritise the development of UrbanPlan, a realistic and challenging classroom-based programme in which pupils learn about the fundamental forces that affect urban regeneration. Following on from the tremendous work of recent chairs, Maarsen will continue to deliver engaging member engagement opportunities alongside mission-driven, high-quality programming.

Lisette van Doorn, CEO of ULI Europe, said: “Nicole steps into this role with a wealth of experience and a vision tightly aligned with ULI’s values. Understanding urban development to be a major determiner of social wellbeing, her ambition to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable sector echoes our mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. We look forward to working with her in achieving these aims.” 

Marnix Galle, ULI Europe chair and executive chairman of Belgian developer Immobel, said: “With Nicole’s extensive knowledge of the industry, she will further the reach of ULI in the Netherlands building on its existing programme of events, Product Councils and a recently launched mentorship programme, which has been hugely successful. Rolling out UrbanPlan creates more exciting opportunities for the Council and we look forward to the collaboration to further develop the programme that ULI offers locally.”

Nicole Maarsen’s experience in the real estate industry spans 20 years, having started her career at ING Real Estate and progressed to senior positions at Syntrus Achmea Real Estate & Finance and the family firm Maarsen Groep. Maarsen is, among other ventures, co-founder of Home.Earth, an impact real estate company that provides a scalable market approach to developing sustainable, affordable, and resilient cities. She is active on diverse boards such as the Economic Institute for Construction (EIB), the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) and the Association of Institutional Real Estate Investors in the Netherlands (IVBN). Nicole Maarsen holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Groningen and a master’s degree in Real Estate from the University of Amsterdam.

ULI is the world’s oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary real estate experts, with more than 45,000 members globally. ULI Netherlands involves over 300 leading real estate stakeholders from the private and public sectors representing all disciplines within the Dutch commercial and residential property market. It has an active events calendar, including for Young Leaders (members aged under 35), NEXT (members aged 35-45), and themed Product Council events looking at Residential, Sustainability and Urban Regeneration. ULI Netherlands also run a mentorship scheme, connecting senior-level executives in the real estate industry with Young Leader members of ULI who are under the age of 35.