DNV KEMA, with more than 2,300 experts in over 30 countries around the world, is committed to driving the global transition toward a safe, reliable, efficient, and clean energy future. As an objective and impartial knowledge-based company, DNV KEMA offers world-class, innovative solutions to organizations across the energy value chain, including business & technical consultancy, testing, inspections & certification, risk management, and verification services. DNV KEMA is part of the DNV Group, a global provider of services for managing risk with more than 10,000 employees in over 100 countries.

Thijs Aarten graduated from Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) in 1980. After serving in the military, Thijs began his professional career in 1981, where he subsequently worked for various companies of Royal Dutch Shell, Royal Pakhoed/Vopak, and Shell Global Solutions. In May, 2006, Thijs joined KEMA as a member of its Executive Board. He was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO on May 1, 2011, and on February 29, 2012, CEO of DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability and member of the Executive Committee of the DNV Group, headquartered in Høvik, Norway. Thijs has lived and worked in the Netherlands, Singapore, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, and currently operates out of Arnhem, the Netherlands.