Martijn Paulen (1970) graduated with honours from Tilburg University as a psychologist. He was an organisation consultant, taught Organisation Studies at Tilburg University, and was director of Innovation at TIAS Business School.

In 2013 Paulen was appointed ceo of Dutch Design Foundation, the organisation behind Dutch Design Week (the largest Design Festival in Northern Europe), Dutch Design Awards, World Design Embassies and What if Lab. He has a strong belief that design has an important role to play for a sustainable, social, and beautiful future. His organisation focuses on experiment, innovation, cross-overs and societal impact. Particular attention goes to supporting young talents & future makers.

Portrait: ©Jeroen van der Wielen