Simone Smit has been appointed Director-General of the General Intelligence and Security Service at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The Council of Ministers has approved the proposal from Minister Rijkaart of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The appointment takes effect on March 1, 2026.
The General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) protects national security and the democratic legal order. This is more necessary than ever, as the world around us is changing rapidly. Geopolitical tensions are increasing, cyberattacks affect vital infrastructures, foreign interference undermines open societies, extremist ideologies take new forms, and technology is developing faster than legislation and regulations can keep up.
Therefore, the AIVD is developing both substantively and technologically and the organization is growing in size. The Director-General, as head of the organization, provides direction to this development. The DG AIVD strengthens the strategic and operational capabilities of the service and ensures that the organization remains technologically at the forefront. The DG AIVD does this in collaboration with the management team. There is also attention to supporting processes, infrastructure, and associated conditions necessary for the AIVD to do its work. Nationally, the DG AIVD works closely with public and private security partners and maintains contacts with intelligence and security services internationally.
Vincent Roozen, Secretary-General BZK:
“It is my great pleasure to announce that Simone has been appointed Director-General of the AIVD. Simone has earned her stripes at the highest level in the security domain. She has extensive experience in the complex political-administrative field and has served as Deputy DG AIVD for many years alongside Erik Akerboom. This gives her unparalleled knowledge of the AIVDs challenges.
As the lead for the technological leadership portfolio, Simone is well informed about the rapid technological developments affecting the service. She actively seeks cooperation with public and private partners, which is essential in todays security landscape. Simone commands great respect both nationally and internationally, inside and outside the service. The combination of her experience, knowledge, and leadership makes her the ideal successor to Erik Akerboom. Simone is the first female DG AIVD in the rich history of the service.”
Simone Smit:
“The AIVD is more than a workplace for me; it is a community with a mission that reflects what I stand for: the safety of the Netherlands so that we can live in freedom. That freedom is not a given. In an increasingly unstable world, where conflicts become more visible and democratic values are under pressure, there is a growing need for a service that can withstand threats and respond to rapid technological developments.
I am proud of the work we do together every day. I want to build on the solid foundation that exists and further strengthen our partnerships – nationally, privately, and internationally. No day is the same and no decision is without consequence. I feel at home in the dynamic of constantly switching between the outside world and my organization, nationally and internationally, operationally and strategically. I am proud to carry this responsibility with conviction, care, and effectiveness.”
Drs. S. (Simone) Smit has been Deputy Director-General of the AIVD since February 15, 2021. Before that, she was Director of Counterterrorism and Program Director for the Acute Covid Approach at the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). She started at the NCTV in 2014 as Head of Protection and Security. Simone began her career as an operational leader at the police in Rotterdam. She worked for 19 years in various leadership roles within the police. Simone Smit earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from Erasmus University Rotterdam and attended the Police Academy.
This appointment was made through the procedure for the top management group of the General Administrative Service. The Directorate-General General Administrative Service conducted the recruitment for this appointment and supported the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the selection. The vacancy was widely publicized as usual, allowing everyone to apply.
