After 21 years of dedicated service, Kerstin Gerlagh will step down as CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce on September 1, 2025, as she enters retirement. During her time leading the Chamber, Kerstin has played a key role in helping the organization grow and succeed, creating a lively community where Swedish and Dutch businesses can work together and support each other. She has always been passionate about bringing people together, helping young professionals, and starting projects that have made the Chamber a strong and important part of the business relationship between the two countries.
To ensure a seamless transition, Kerstin will remain with the organisation until December 31, 2025, supporting the handover and transfer of responsibilities. She will be succeeded by Ms. Petra Zachrisson Beets, who will assume the role of CEO effective September 1, 2025.
Kerstin Gerlagh with her successor Petra Zachrisson Beets
“It has been an honour to work with an incredible network of members, partners, colleagues, and friends who all share a passion for strengthening the ties between Sweden and the Netherlands. Together, we have grown the Chamber into a dynamic hub where business and community meet — a place where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and lifelong connections are made. I feel very proud and confident that the Chamber is at a very good place, we have been working hard together to set up a solid organisation with a fantastic Board, Committees, company commitments and support and member engagement.
A big thank you all for the fantastic collaboration and confidence throughout my years at the Chamber it really has been an honour. I am very pleased that Petra Zachrisson Beets will succeed me as CEO from September 1, 2025 and wish her lots of success in the new role. With her vision, energy, and commitment, I am convinced that the Chamber will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.” – Kerstin Gerlagh, CEO Swedish Chamber of Commerce
“As Kerstin Gerlagh steps down as CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce after many years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional commitment to building an outstanding and professional Swedish – Dutch business community in the Netherlands. Under her leadership, the Chamber has flourished through numerous initiatives, such as the Young Professionals community—now exceeding 100 members—and the Mentorship Program supporting the growth and development of young professionals to name a few. Her vision also brought forward the Donut Strategy and the establishment of Chamber Committees, focused on Sustainability, Diversity, Innovation, and Branding, resulting in Member engagement and highly professional events that have strengthened and broadened our network. We are extremely grateful for Kerstin’s hard work and leadership. We look forward to a smooth handover period that will continue this strong legacy and we wish Kerstin every success in the exciting new chapter ahead.” Jan Sundelin, Chairperson Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
We are grateful for everything Kerstin has done over the years and for the strong foundation she leaves behind. As she steps into retirement, we wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter of her life. We are also very pleased to welcome Petra Zachrisson Beets as the new CEO starting September 1, 2025. With her energy, fresh ideas, and dedication, we are confident the Chamber will continue to grow and support our members in the years to come.
We look forward to a smooth transition and a bright future ahead for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
