Zeist, Netherlands – 14 July 2025
The Kelp Forest Foundation (KFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Arjan Poels as Chairman of the Board. He succeeds Caroline Slootweg, whose inspiring leadership has guided the Foundation through its formative years. Caroline will remain an engaged supporter of KFF’s mission.
Arjan Poels brings over 25 years of leadership experience in finance, risk management, and social impact funds, having worked across Europe and Africa in complex, multicultural environments. His expertise in scaling mission-driven organisations, designing strategic frameworks, and securing funding will support KFF as it enters its next phase of growth.
Currently, Arjan is Managing Director of the Medical Credit Fund, a social impact fund that invests in African healthcare through digital innovations. In this role, he raised significant funding for African healthcare and forged partnerships across development banks, NGOs and the private sector. This experience is key for KFF’s work in advancing marine science, blue carbon, and biodiversity solutions.
“The work of the Kelp Forest Foundation is critical in restoring ocean health and unlocking nature-based solutions for our planet’s future,” said Arjan Poels. “I am honoured to contribute my experience to help the Foundation scale its impact and build meaningful partnerships for lasting change.”
The Foundation expresses its deep gratitude to Caroline Slootweg for her visionary leadership, dedication, and the strong foundation she helped build. Under her guidance, KFF established itself as a collaborative voice in kelp science and ocean health, setting the stage for its future growth.
About the Kelp Forest Foundation
Kelp Forest Foundation (KFF) is a Netherlands-based nonprofit organisation aimed at establishing kelp as a nature-based solution. KFF envisions a future whereby wild kelp forests are recovering and thriving, and farmed kelp provides solutions in our everyday lives. By advancing kelp science, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, we support ocean restoration and strengthen coastal communities worldwide.
Media contact: info@kelpforestfoundation.org
