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NextGen Takes Charge: The New Generation of Leaders Transforming the Food Chain

Brenda Bosma & Rick Heger

In Dutch supermarkets, consumers can choose daily from a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and dairy products. At the same time, a significant amount of food goes to waste, and farmers struggle with strict sustainability requirements [https://www.wur.nl/nl/nieuws/boeren-zitten-vast-in-het-systeem.-het-is-aan-ons-als-maatschappij-om-keuzes-te-maken.htm]. “Our food system is flawed”, say Rick Heger and Brenda Bosma, driving forces behind the NextGen Net Positive Network. “By mobilising the next generation of leaders, we aim to change the future.”

The NextGen Net Positive Network (NNPN) emerged from the Net Positive Network (NPN), a Deloitte initiative that brings together companies across the entire food chain – from farms to supermarkets – to drive sustainable change. While the NPN focuses on CEOs and senior executives, the NNPN provides a platform for the new generation of leaders eager to contribute to this transition.

“During the first CEO dinner of the NPN, it became clear that young professionals also have a strong drive to make an impact”, explains Rick Heger, Junior Manager Responsible Data & Analytics at Deloitte. This led to the establishment of the NNPN earlier this year, with a core team of professionals from five influential organisations active in the food system. "The NNPN empowers the next generation of leaders to shape their vision of a more sustainable food system and contribute to concrete projects. With a network of over 500 members, business cases from the NPN are further developed using innovative solutions. We connect organisations and young professionals, allowing bottom-up innovations and top-down commitments to reinforce one another. This way, we create value and empower future leaders. We don’t just want to discuss what can be improved – we want to make a real impact”, says Brenda Bosma, Senior Consultant Organisation Transformations at Deloitte and lead of the NNPN.

“By actively involving young professionals in the food transition, I am convinced that within five years we can create a more sustainable system with less waste and a reduced environmental footprint.”

Brenda Bosma | Senior Consultant Organisation Transformations bij Deloitte Human Capital

Connecting and Inspiring

Brenda has a background in hospitality and studied at Hotelschool The Hague before becoming a Transformation Manager at Deloitte. Within the NNPN, her passion for healthy food aligns with her commitment to sustainable transformations, focusing on reducing the ecological footprint of food production and consumption. “During the Spring Parade, an annual event hosted by the NPN, I became excited about the opportunities to involve young professionals in the food transition.”

To deepen her understanding, Brenda attended the Young Academy, an intensive learning programme developed by Food Hub and Low Food in collaboration with Deloitte. “It became even clearer to me how urgent sustainable change is. Standing in the mud on a farm, I learned about the food chain from beginning to end. Change starts with yourself, but real impact is achieved when you inspire others and collaborate.”

The Future: Towards a Sustainable System Together

The challenges in the food chain are substantial: overconsumption, food waste, and limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Additionally, collaboration and transparency are often lacking. “If companies shared their data more effectively, We can address these challenges in a more targeted way”, says Rick. “By working together and sharing insights, we can make the chain more efficient and sustainable.” What will the food chain look like in five years? Brenda advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable system, with less waste, reduced environmental impact, and healthy, affordable food accessible to all. Rick envisions a culture in which producers and consumers share responsibility. “Sustainable choices need to become more accessible and appealing.”

Collaborating on Solutions

Rick also has a strong affinity with sustainability. “I previously worked for a ministry, where, as a board member of the youth organisation, I was invited to the CEO dinner of the NPN. With my background in social geography and data science, I was always interested in the green domain, but I had no specific focus on food”, he explains. “That changed with the NPN. I had insightful conversations, felt inspired, and in January 2023, I even made the switch to Deloitte!”

Since then, he has remained involved with the NPN, organising the Spring Parade and also attending the Young Academy. “I realised how significant the impact can be when collaborating with organisations across the entire chain. The Academy not only taught me how the food industry works but also how to shape and share my own story.”

The NextGen Net Positive Network is still in its initial stages, but its ambitions are high. “Together with the network, we want to show that our new generation not only aspires to improve the food chain but also is capable of breaking traditional thinking patterns. The future of our food chain is being shaped today. Let’s make a difference together”, conclude Rick and Brenda.

"Together, sharing insights makes the chain more efficient and sustainable"

Rick Heger | Junior Manager Responsible Data & Analytics

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