On April 1, 2025, Daan van Baarsen, Chief Financial Officer of the Efteling theme park, will retire. The supervisory board of the Dutch company announced this today. After more than three decades of service, including since 2008 as part of the executive team, he steps down. His contributions to the park’s growth are widely recognized.
Farewell to a Financial Expert
Daan van Baarsen has been with Efteling since 1991, taking on the role of CFO in 2008. He famously described his job as managing the “portemonnaie vom Efteling”—the park’s wallet. During his tenure, he ensured financial stability, even through tough times like the COVID-19 crisis. Theo Koekkoek, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated: “We are deeply grateful to Daan for his tremendous dedication and his role in shaping Efteling’s development. With his experience and expertise, he brought stability to the company, even in challenging periods.” Moving forward, van Baarsen will remain connected to Efteling as a pension expert, while the supervisory board, together with CEO Fons Jurgens, searches for a suitable successor.
From Regional Park to Global Player
Over his 34-year career, van Baarsen witnessed Efteling’s transformation. “I’ve seen Efteling grow from a regional theme park into an internationally significant player,” he said. For him, employees, environmental care, and guest experience always came first. Starting as head of the finance department, he later served as controller before rising to CFO. He now hands over a financially sound organization to the next generation, reflecting proudly on his journey.
Gratitude and Future Plans
“I’ve had a fantastic time at Efteling,” van Baarsen shared. He highlighted the joy of shared achievements: “I look back with great pleasure on what we accomplished together.” He wishes his colleagues success in “making Efteling a little more beautiful every day” and looks forward to his ongoing role as a pension expert. His career closes with a sense of pride in being part of the park’s remarkable growth.
