The president of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) is set to be replaced on July 1st, prompting a search for a successor to Klaas Knot. Minister of Finance Eelco Heinen is evaluating candidates, with a formal presentation to the cabinet expected soon.

The supervisory board of DNB has nominated three individuals for the position. While Heinen is not obligated to select from this list, the appointment process is underway.

Speculation surrounds potential candidates, with a push for the first female president in DNB’s history. Names being considered include Sigrid Kaag, currently interim UN envoy for the reconstruction of Gaza, Laura van Geest, chair of the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, and Herna Verhagen, former CEO of PostNL. Gita Salden, a current board member at DNB, has also been mentioned as a possibility.

Klaas Knot’s successor will be responsible for attending the European Central Bank’s (ECB) governing council meetings every six weeks and communicating economic matters to the public. The position offers a salary of half a million euros annually. Knot, who has served two seven-year terms, is stepping down in accordance with regulations.

DNB’s role has evolved since January 1, 1998, with the bank now operating as a branch office of the ECB. Previously, under presidents Jelle Zijlstra and Wim Duisenberg, DNB closely mirrored the monetary policy of the German Bundesbank.