About

The G.E.O. Foundation works to strengthen the position of LGBTQ+ people in their work environment in the Netherlands.

Our mission

Where we are headed

Our mission is to promote emancipation, equal treatment and representation of LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands, with a focus on their work environment. One concrete ambition for 2030 is to reach 10% LGBTQ+ representation in senior leadership positions across the Netherlands.

We work to reduce the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace through:

A mentorship programme connecting experienced LGBTQ+ professionals with emerging talent
Networking events and ongoing dialogue with employers about inclusive work environments
Support for LGBTQ+ employee networks (ERGs) at partner organisations
A national benchmark study on the position of LGBTQ+ employees in the Netherlands, shared through media and a public knowledge base

Our Journey to 2030

From a bold vision in 2018 to transforming C-suite representation across the Netherlands. Every milestone brings us closer to a workplace where LGBTQ+ leaders don’t just belong—they thrive authentically.

2021

Foundation Launch

GEO Foundation was founded

Melchior de Ridder establishes the G.E.O. (Gay Executive Officer) Foundation in Amsterdam, driven by his own decade-long journey of concealing his identity in corporate finance. The foundation launches with an ambitious mission: increase LGBTQ+ representation in C-level positions from less than 1% to 10% by 2030.

2022

Corporate Momentum

Major Dutch corperations join the movement

Leading companies including ING, NN, VodafoneZiggo, EY, Randstad, PwC, and KLM become paying partners. Founder Melchior de Ridder is recognized in MT/Sprout's Inclusive 30, bringing national attention to the stark gap between LGBTQ+ representation in society (11%) and in senior leadership (<1%).

2023

National Recognition

From Private Dinners to Public Dialogue

De Ridder appears on national television during Pride 2023. The foundation's signature CEO Straight Ally Dinners expand to 40 participants, creating intimate spaces where straight and LGBTQ+ CEOs share personal stories and develop concrete strategies for inclusive leadership.

2024

Systemic Change

Pioneering Measurement and Accountability

Corporate partners voluntarily begin monitoring and reporting LGBTQ+ diversity metrics alongside mandated gender reporting. A major MT/Sprout feature highlights how G.E.O. is moving beyond "lippendienst" to create genuine systemic change in succession planning and leadership development.

2025

Scaling Impact

Building the Infrastructure for Lasting Change

Operating with a focused team of 2-10 professionals, G.E.O. runs regular Captains Dinners, "10% G-Suite" seminars, and social hubs. The foundation addresses a critical reality: 35% of LGBTQ+ employees return to the closet when entering corporate life, undermining both personal authenticity and organizational innovation.

2030

The Horizon Goal

A number that changes everything

A concrete ambition for 2030: 10% LGBTQ+ representation in senior leadership positions across the Netherlands. We see this as one of the outcomes of broader change in the workplace, alongside safer cultures, stronger networks and visible role models for the wider LGBTQ+ community.

How we work

We support LGBTQ+ people in their work environment through four general-benefit activities and an annual fundraising event.

Networking events

We organise networking events for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. These events foster peer connections, build community, and create space for dialogue with employers about inclusive work environments.

Mentorship programme

We connect experienced LGBTQ+ professionals with emerging LGBTQ+ talent through an annual mentorship programme. Mentors share experience, support career development, and strengthen progression across all levels of organisations.

Events

We organise networking events and the annual CEO Straight Ally Dinner, bringing together LGBTQ+ professionals, allies and employers to foster dialogue and build community.

Research and knowledge sharing

We support LGBTQ+ employee networks (ERGs) at partner organisations and publish an annual national benchmark study on the position of LGBTQ+ employees in the Netherlands. We share insights through media and a public knowledge base.

Our team

Our team consists of LGBTQ+ professionals with a very strong track record in business. The G.E.O. Foundation is growing rapidly and we are looking to extend our team.

Melchior de ridder

Founder & President