In Memorium – Wim Westerhuis
For Immediate Release: October 29, 2007
- Naarden, 15th August 1941, The Netherlands
âœGeneva, 25th October 2007, Switzerland
It is with great sadness that the IRF learnt that Wim Westerhuis has passed away. Wim had fought cancer courageously for several months, but sadly relapsed after the IRF Black Sea & Silk Road Conference in May 07 – his last IRF event.
The IRF loses one of its masterminds and an outstanding personality who has largely defined IRF activities during the past 20 years. Joining the Dutch Road Contractors’ Association in 1974 as Director of Public Affairs, Wim became heavily involved with the road sector. Representing the road construction industry as employer and constructor for the Dutch government, he sharpened his diplomatic and negotiation skills.
In 1986 he was asked to join the staff of the International Road Federation. Three years later, Wim was appointed Director General of the IRF Geneva office, a function he held until 2004.
In that same year the World Executive Board appointed him IRF High Representative. In this function he has been the primary spokesman and ambassador for the IRF worldwide.
Wim has been a rock for IRF Geneva – guiding the organisation through changing times, through storms and turmoil and through fertile growth periods.
During his many years with the IRF, Wim Westerhuis has been able to forge privileged relations with many parts of the world. His networking capabilities have helped open many doors around the world.
Wim retired from the IRF in August 2006 after 20 years of service. The IRF sends its deepest condolences to Wim Westerhuis’ wife, children and grand-children. He will be greatly missed.
Founded in 1948, the International Road Federation (IRF) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with members from both the public and private sectors in 90 countries worldwide. IRF promotes the development and maintenance of better, safer roads and road networks throughout the world, using technological solutions and management practices that provide maximum economic and social returns from road investment.
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