Hans van Dord,1944-2024
Hans helped lay the foundations for the strong, decentralised, mission driven organisation that we are today
Published on: 27/09/2024
Today I received the shocking news of the death in a tragic traffic accident of IRC’s former Chair, Hans van Dord.
Hans joined IRC’s Supervisory Board in 2009 and was our Chair from 2013-2017. Guiding us through a profoundly challenging period, he helped lay the foundations for the strong, decentralised, mission driven organisation that we are today.
At his departure, Hans shared his pride in IRC, our mission, our strong and diverse staff, our growing footprint and diversified donor base – all of which he had been instrumental in helping to develop. IRC was equally proud, along with other organisations he had supported, to champion a royal honour (Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau) in recognition of his service, and was delighted to be part of the surprise party where it was awarded.
On a personal note, I remember Hans with deep affection and respect. As a very new and green CEO, I relied on his calm and kind energy and guidance during the tumultuous start to a daunting new position. His was an immensely reassuring presence, wearing his years of experience at the heart of environmental consultancy very lightly. More recently, Hans had been an enthusiastic member of our new “friends of IRC” alumni network and was looking forward to continuing to play an active role in our future.
Personally, on behalf of all the IRC staff who knew and appreciated him, and of his board colleagues, I extend our deepest condolences to Hans’ wife, Carine, his children and grandchildren. I hope that in time they will come to take comfort in the memory of a life very well lived.
Rest in peace Hans.
Patrick Moriarty
CEO, IRC
