By Niamh Ryan - Reading time 1 min
Make-A-Wish International has appointed Wijnand Donkers as Chair of its Board of Directors. The organisation, headquartered in the Netherlands, oversees a network that helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in nearly 50 countries around the world. The appointment follows a thorough selection process led by the Board of Directors and its Nominating Committee.
Wijnand Donkers brings extensive international leadership and governance experience across public and private companies. He previously served on the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE, where he chaired the Transformation and ESG Committee, and continues to advise private equity firms and their portfolio companies. He also served as CEO of Deutsche Annington SE (now Vonovia SE), where he led a period of significant transformation, and spent over two decades at BP plc in senior leadership roles, including corporate strategy.
Outgoing Chair Victor Nichols welcomed the appointment and paid tribute to the Board and its committees for their diligent work in identifying his successor. He will continue to serve on the Board until April 2027, supporting a smooth transition and working closely with Wijnand.
“It has been a great privilege to serve as Chair of Make-A-Wish International. I have been continually inspired by the courage of the children and families we serve, and by the dedication of the Affiliates, team members, volunteers, partners, and supporters around the world. I have also seen first-hand the growth of our global reach and the enhancement of our network. Our growing body of research demonstrates the impact of a wish — not just during the wish journey, but in the strength and hope it creates for children and families long after. For me personally, watching the global organization perform together has taught me how wonderful the world can be.” said Victor Nichols
President and CEO Luciano Manzo welcomed the appointment, saying: “This is an important moment for Make-A-Wish International. Wijnand brings the experience and perspective to help guide the organisation through its next phase, building on the strength of our global network and the impact it delivers for children with critical illnesses and their families. We are also deeply grateful for the great contribution Victor has made during his tenure as Chair.”
Wijnand Donkers said:
“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Chair of Make-A-Wish International.
For a child facing a critical illness, a wish restores what illness takes away—hope, joy, and a sense of possibility. For families, it provides strength during their most difficult moments, with effects that endure far beyond the experience itself.
The courage of these children and families is extraordinary, matched by the commitment and dedication of our Affiliates, partners, volunteers, and donors across nearly 50 countries.
My priority is to further strengthen our global impact and expand access, ensuring that every eligible child, wherever they live, can experience the life-changing power of a wish.”