Henk Swarttouw

Henk Swarttouw has been a professional diplomat in the Dutch foreign service for 30+ years, with postings to the US, France, the UK, Finland and Denmark. Henk was Dutch ambassador to Finland 2012 - 2015 and to Denmark 2015 - 2019.

Before leaving the Foreign Service in 2020, Henk worked as Dutch ambassador for International Organisations. He is now an independent advisor on sustainability and international cooperation. Henk has been cycling to school and to work for over 50 years.

Since his arrival in Finland in 2012, he has been actively engaging in cycling diplomacy. In 2019 Henk joined the board of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), using his international experience and diplomatic skills, he works for more and better cycling for all in Europe and beyond.

In 2021, he was elected President of the World Cycling Alliance (WCA).

When not on the road, Henk divides his time between Amsterdam and Southern Sweden.