Cybersecurity in chemical manufacturing has never been more critical. As digital innovation accelerates and industrial control systems converge with enterprise IT, companies in the Netherlands are strengthening their cyber defenses and building stronger security cultures. Whether steering digital transformation, safeguarding operational technologies (OT), or aligning security with strategic business goals, the region’s leading security executives are worth watching for their influence and impact.
From seasoned CISOs to digital security strategists, this list highlights professionals who are shaping how chemical manufacturers approach risk, resilience, and future‑ready security. Below, discover security leaders driving change, innovators who are not just protecting networks but enabling business growth amidst evolving threats.
Haissam (Hal) Hariz — Chief Information Security Officer, Barentz
Haissam “Hal” Hariz currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at Barentz, a global specialty ingredients provider with deep ties to chemical formulation and distribution networks. In his role, Hariz applies core information security principles to help the organization achieve strategic business goals while operating within acceptable levels of risk. His leadership emphasizes blending governance, risk management, and business enablement, a vital balance in a sector where operational continuity and ingredient integrity matter as much as cyber defense.
Since joining Barentz in 2024, Hariz has focused on aligning security practices with the firm’s global footprint, advancing technical safeguards across EMEA, Americas, and APAC. His work strengthens defenses across digital and operational environments, making him a notable figure among chemical security leaders in the Netherlands and beyond.
Barry Bastiaansen — Global Information Security Officer, SHV Energy
Barry Bastiaansen brings a blend of military discipline and cross‑functional leadership to his role as Global Information Security Officer at SHV Energy, a major energy and LPG distributor with connections to chemical logistics and industrial systems. Bastiaansen’s values have shaped his approach to building resilient security teams and driving multi‑domain protection strategies that include cyber, physical, and data center security.
With a background that spans international operational experience and security management, he is known for nurturing high‑performing teams capable of tackling complex industrial risk. While his focus spans energy and safety, his insights into security governance and risk, especially in industrial and hazardous environments, make his leadership relevant to the broader chemical manufacturing ecosystem.
Dirck Korrel — SVP Digital Foundation & Operations and CISO, dsm‑firmenich
At dsm‑firmenich, Dirck Korrel serves as both SVP of Digital Foundation & Operations and CISO, positioning him at the intersection of digital transformation and security strategy for a company innovating in nutrition, health, and beauty ingredients. With over two decades of experience leading global IT and cybersecurity functions, Korrel excels in building high‑performance teams and executing strategies that unite analytical insight with tactical impact.
Under his cybersecurity stewardship, dsm‑firmenich continues to fortify its digital and operational environments against evolving threats. Korrel’s work not only secures critical data and infrastructure but also supports the company’s broader mission of sustainable innovation, making him a standout leader among chemical and materials sector security professionals.
Helmuth Snoeijen — Senior Director Cyber Security, dsm‑firmenich
Helmuth Snoeijen serves as Senior Director of Cyber Security at dsm‑firmenich, supporting the company’s enterprise‑wide security posture. With strong leadership and analytical skills, Snoeijen focuses on tying strategy to operational delivery, ensuring that security initiatives are pragmatic, outcome‑focused, and aligned with business priorities. His deep experience in global IT management and architectural functions helps bridge gaps between technology and risk.
Although not carrying the formal CISO title, Snoeijen’s influence in shaping cyber resilience earns him a place among noteworthy security leaders in the chemical manufacturing domain in the Netherlands.
Gene Dieden — Chief Information Security Officer, LyondellBasell (Rotterdam)
Gene Dieden is the Chief Information Security Officer at LyondellBasell, a major petrochemical and polymer company with significant operations in Rotterdam. With more than six years in the role, Dieden leads comprehensive strategies for information security governance, risk management, and global security operations. His work spans developing policies, reinforcing disaster recovery and business continuity, and managing security operations to detect, respond to, and contain threats enterprise‑wide.
While based primarily in Houston, Dieden’s role has important implications for European and Dutch operations where LyondellBasell maintains production and supply chain facilities. His global perspective and deep experience make him a valuable inclusion in any coverage of security leadership in chemical manufacturing.
Koen Dassen — Chief Information Security Officer, ARLANXEO
Koen Dassen recently stepped into the CISO role at ARLANXEO, one of the world’s largest synthetic rubber producers headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. With a strong background in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance, including ISO and NIST frameworks, Dassen leads initiatives that elevate security maturity across the company’s global footprint. His expertise in audit, IT governance, and stakeholder engagement positions him to enhance organizational resilience in complex industrial environments.
As cyber threats increasingly target supply chains and manufacturing systems, Dassen’s leadership at ARLANXEO underscores the importance of strong CISO leadership in chemical and materials sectors.
Arjan Zwikker — Manager Cyber Security / CISO, Nobian
Arjan Zwikker leads cybersecurity at Nobian, a European leader in salt and essential chemical production. Wearing both the titles of Manager Cyber Security and CISO, Zwikker oversees protective strategies that defend IT and OT systems integral to industrial chemistry and production processes. His work ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems that support sectors from pharmaceuticals to energy storage.
Zwikker’s leadership in securing critical infrastructure reflects the unique challenges faced by chemical manufacturers, where digital risks intersect with physical operations, supply chains, and industrial control systems.
Chris van den Brink — Chief Information Security Officer, Teijin Aramid
Chris van den Brink is the CISO for Teijin Aramid, a global leader in high‑performance aramid fiber production with facilities in Arnhem, Netherlands. His work focuses on harmonizing IT and OT security to protect both enterprise systems and industrial operations. With a background in audit, software engineering, and information risk management, van den Brink brings a deep understanding of how security quality improves operational performance.
Under his leadership, Teijin Aramid continues to advance defenses for mission‑critical industrial processes, making van den Brink a noteworthy leader for anyone tracking cybersecurity excellence in the chemical materials space.
Why These Leaders Matter to Security and Chemical Manufacturing
From established CISOs to strategic security directors, this group represents the diverse ways leaders are strengthening cyber and industrial defenses in the Netherlands chemical manufacturing landscape. Their collective experience spans digital transformation, OT‑IT convergence, global risk governance, and cross‑industry threat response.
For readers seeking a deeper perspective on influential figures shaping industry security strategies, check out our comprehensive list of CISOs to watch, a resource for tracking top security leaders across sectors and geographies.