Introducing SPARK’s new CEO
Mr. van Melick is an experienced senior leader, with significant influence, vision and collaborative skills. His roles at SPARK have spanned Head of Communications, Head of Strategy and programme management. He has been responsible for establishing SPARK’s annual IGNITE conference, a well-recognised annual event within the economic development calendar. With his vast network, experience across every corner of SPARK’s operations and visionary leadership skills, SPARK is well prepared to embark on its next chapter of its Strategy 2030. 

“As instability proliferates globally, SPARK’s vision and mission have never been more pertinent. I am looking forward to building upon SPARK’s impressive 30 year heritage of creating impactful jobs and opportunities for youth, women and refugees. As we transition to a new leadership, we keep our focus on the ambitious young people that are contributing to the much-needed stability of their fragile and conflict-affected communities. With the support of my valued colleagues, our dedicated partners and the trust of our funders, I intend to deliver SPARK’s 2030 Strategy for the benefit of talented young people in need of opportunities.” 

Introducing SPARK’s new COO
Mr. van Melick is accompanied in the Board of Directors by Ms. Christel Bultman, SPARK’s Chief Operating Officer, who joined the organisation in December 2023. Ms. Bultman’s vast experience within the humanitarian and development sector has spanned senior leadership roles, including Global Programme Director for Save the Children Netherlands, Chief of Party for the Syria Resilience Consortium, consisting of six organisations (CARE, Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee and Humanity and Inclusion) and Director of Regional Change for CARE in West Africa. 

“Throughout my career I have been driven by finding sustainable solutions for civilians in fragile states, and therefore I feel a natural connection to SPARK’s vision and strategy. I have also developed a passion for translating strategy to organisational processes and practices and am keen to support SPARK’s vision from that perspective.” 

Saying goodbye to Director of Programmes
SPARK’s senior leadership change is also marked by the departure of Cofounder and Director of Programmes, Mr. Michel Richter, who will leave the organisation in December 2023. Mr. Richter has been a highly valued, experienced leader and a strong advocate for localisation. Over many years, he has overseen the successful implementation of SPARK’s diverse and global portfolio of programmes. Mr. Richter has been a driving force in the development of several organisational strategies and has embedded impact measurement throughout the organisation. His advice, problem solving and support to achieve impactful results leaves a lasting fingerprint on SPARK’s teams. 

What’s next for SPARK?
After this period of leadership adjustment and restructuring, SPARK’s new Board of Directors are full of energy to continue with the organisation’s core mission: economic development for youth, including women and refugees, living in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

With SPARK’s Strategy 2030 in full swing and significant development within our thematic sectors – green economy, digital technology and agri-business – Mr. van Melick and Ms. Bultman are looking forward to enhancing SPARK’s operational excellence and accountability, ambitiously building on the organisation’s credentials of delivering impactful programmes for the benefit of the thousands of students, entrepreneurs, interns, SMEs and partners that we work with.