IMAGINE Leaders – Kirsten Konst
Kirsten Konst
Rabobank, Special Advisor to the Executive Board

After a wonderful childhood, I studied business economics in Amsterdam. During that study, I became increasingly fascinated by human behaviour and what is needed to change that behaviour. This lead to a thesis on Change Management. After my study, I started working as a consultant on large change management projects. Since 2002, I work in management positions in the financial sector. During these years, I realized the crucial role that bank’s play in society. In 2017, I joined the Executive Board of Rabobank. Rabobank is a cooperative bank, that is closely connected to society. In 2017, we as Executive Board, chose Growing a better world together to be our mission. Growing refers to our large customer base in the food&agri sector. We were even founded by farmers. “Growing” of course, also refers to continuous learning and development, something I truly believe in. A better world stands for a sustainable and inclusive world. As being responsible for business banking in the Netherlands, I was closely connected to society, companies, branch organizations and the Dutch government. By good collaboration, we together managed to navigate the COVID crisis, and are now working to effectuate the energy transition and find a sustainable path forward for the food and agri sector in The Netherlands. In my role as board member, I truly felt the responsibility that comes with such a role. “It is really us, who need to make it happen.” I find this far from easy and immensely challenging but very rewarding. In my private life, I love spending time with my partner, family and friends. I love running with my dog in nature, playing golf and gardening.
