Ed Voerman, founder of Dutch mover Voerman, died on 17 January 2025 at the age of 84.
A statement on behalf of Ed’s son, Robert Jan Voerman, and the Voerman Group’s management board said Ed had been “a mentor to many within and beyond our organisation”.
After starting his career and becoming managing director at Allied Varekamp, Ed founded Voerman International in 1986 at the World Trade Center, Amsterdam.
“Later that year, after initiating a partnership with André van Herk, Voerman International quickly advanced, incorporating innovative approaches to corporate relocations and strategic acquisitions, including Batenburg & Folmer and Transpack,” said Robert.
“His visionary leadership facilitated the company’s expansion beyond Dutch borders, notably with the establishment of facilities in Moscow, Prague, and other Eastern European locations, starting in 1992. Ed also pioneered the concept of destination services in Europe through Eurohome Relocation Services and founded UTS International, now known as Harmony Relocation Network.
“Ed devoted much of his time to his passion for ‘servant leadership,’ a philosophy he actively introduced within his company for many years. He founded an academy where hundreds of experienced managers embraced Robert Greenleaf’s philosophy of ‘the servant as leader’.
“Ed was immensely proud of the company’s evolution, our new global headquarters that bear his name, and the continued involvement of the next generation in our business. His spirit and principles will forever be the cornerstone of our company’s ethos.”
FIDI Secretary General Jesse van Sas said: “Ed was an incredibly significant player in our industry, who was open-minded, innovative, and warm to the people he encountered in this business, including me. It is difficult to imagine a world without him.”
Ed enjoyed rowing well into his later years and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He leaves his wife, Annelies, four children, and seven grandchildren.
