Barbera Wolfensberger

Barbera Wolfensberger studied business and communications in Utrecht and London, obtaining her degree in 1988. She worked in marketing, communications, (digital) design and media for several years, while pursuing an interest in management and professional governance, notably at INSEAD Business School and Babson University, Boston.

Her career took a new turn in 2006, when she became Head of Corporate Identity & Communications with the Dutch retail chain HEMA. Three years later she was appointed Chief Executive Officer in Amsterdam of the advertising agency FHV BBDO, an American owned company operating worldwide in the creative industry. In 2015, she became Chief Marketing Officer with the Telegraaf Media Group. Over the years, her achievements in marketing, communication and media have earned her several public awards, and in March 2016 the Dutch feminist magazine Opzij rated her as one of the nation’s most inspirational woman in tech and digital. She serves on the board of the Dutch Creative Council and was also board member of the film festival Cinekid. In 2014 she joined the Ministry of Economic Affairs as chair of the Creative Industry Top Sector.

On 1 July 2017 Barbera Wolfensberger was appointed Director-General for Culture and Media at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. She is driven by a passion for diversity and equality, and is committed to promoting innovation and growth through applied creativity.