Sander Heijne

Sander Heijne is an experienced investigative journalist and historian who began his career on the economics desk of De Volkskrant, where he developed his fascination with the effects of bureaucratic systems and market forces. He worked as a freelancer for De Correspondent, where he further deepened his research into market forces and bureaucracy in the public sector. He is the author of several books and is actively involved in various media projects, including television series with Jeroen Pauw and podcasts on social and economic themes. Sander is also editor in chief and publisher at Vrij Nederland.

Sander as a Speaker

Sander is a speaker who challenges and inspires his audience to think critically about how our society works. His lectures are based on his knowledge and experience as an investigative journalist, in which he translates complex themes such as market forces, bureaucracy and the influence of technology on the labour market into concrete stories and insights. Sander does not shy away from putting his finger on the sore spot, while also offering solutions and new perspectives. He knows how to captivate his audience by combining sharp analysis with a clear vision of how things can be done differently.

Editor in Chief and Publisher of Vrij Nederland

Sander has taken on the role of editor in chief of Vrij Nederland. In this role, he will lead the progressive, independent media house that, with the support of Pakhuis de Zwijger, is continuing to build a future proof journalistic platform. Vrij Nederland remains committed to in depth investigative journalism and sharp interpretation of social and political issues, with both the monthly magazine and a renewed digital platform offering podcasts, videos and opinions. Sander continues Vrij Nederland’s tradition as a guardian of a free society, in line with his belief that media play a key role in strengthening democracy.

Author

Sander is the author of the books Er zijn nog 17 miljoen wachtenden voor u and Fantoomgroei, in which he analyses the effects of market forces in the Netherlands and criticises the focus on economic growth at the expense of human wellbeing. In his latest book, he examines the current state of our liberal democracy and searches for a balance between doom scenarios and hopeful future perspectives.

Career

In addition to his work as a journalist and author, Sander is involved in various media projects. Together with Jeroen Pauw, he created the television series Nederland is Vol and Scheefgroei, and he produced the podcast documentary De Ommezwaai for Radio 1. He can also be heard in the popular podcast BV Nederland, in which he discusses current economic and social topics together with Hendrik Noten. Sander combines his historical knowledge with current insights and knows how to address complex themes in an accessible way.