Dioraphte has appointed Odette Hekster as its new Director as of 15 September 2026. She succeeds Jasmijn Melse and will lead the further development of Dioraphte as an independent foundation that enables social and cultural initiatives.

Odette Hekster brings more than twenty years of experience in philanthropy, grant-making and organisational leadership. Since 2020, she has served as Managing Director of PSI Europe, where she developed the organisation into a leading international organisation in programme development, grant management and strategic partnerships. Under her leadership, governance, fundraising and international partnerships were significantly strengthened, with a particular focus on women’s rights and health.

Derk Lemstra, Chair of Dioraphte: “We are delighted to welcome Odette Hekster as our new Director. She brings precisely the combination that is important to us: strategic vision, extensive experience in philanthropy and grant-making, responsible stewardship and a collaborative leadership style. With her broad experience, her ability to bring people and organisations together, and her strong focus on lasting social impact, she is well placed to build on the meaningful role Dioraphte plays, together with the team and the Board.”

Throughout her career, Hekster has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, international cooperation, social development and organisational strengthening. She has previously held positions at PSI Europe, Aidsfonds, UNFPA, Rutgers/IPPF and UN-HABITAT. Her work has focused, among other areas, on strengthening civil society organisations and ensuring that resources are deployed effectively and responsibly to achieve lasting social impact.

Odette Hekster: “I am very much looking forward to joining Dioraphte. What particularly appeals to me is the foundation’s broad social and cultural mission and the opportunity to support initiatives that might otherwise not come to fruition. I strongly believe in the catalytic role of philanthropy: bringing people, ideas and resources together at the right moment, with trust, care and a focus on lasting impact. Together with the team and the Board, I look forward to contributing to Dioraphte’s next chapter.”

The Board would like to express its sincere gratitude to Jasmijn Melse for her valuable contribution, commitment and leadership as Director of Dioraphte. Under her leadership, the organisation has been able to further fulfil and strengthen its role in society. We are grateful for the dedication she has shown to the foundation, its team and Dioraphte’s partners.