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Hans Hillen
As a member of the government, the Minister has final responsibility for the general Defence policy, which is part of the national security policy, and the implementation thereof.
Given names: Johannes Stefanus Joseph (Hans)
Place and date of birth: The Hague, 17 June 1947
Place of residence: Hilversum, Netherlands
Civil status: married, with 3 children
1966: Pre-university education (arts curriculum), Hilversum
1966-1967: School for Journalism
1967-1974: Sociology, State University of Utrecht
With some interruptions, Hans Hillen worked as a journalist for the public broadcasting company for 14 years. From 1969 to 1973, he was desk editor for NOS Studio Sport, and subsequently, from 1973 to 1977, foreign editor at the NOS Journaal (Dutch national television news broadcast). Until 1983, he was political journalist for the NOS Journaal (The Hague office). From 1973 to 1977, Mr Hillen also worked as a Social Studies teacher in secondary schools in Hilversum and Bussum, Netherlands.
In 1983, Mr Hillen became Director of Information at the Ministry of Finance, and in 1990 he joined the House of Representatives for the CDA (Christian Democratic Alliance). As an MP, he was involved in foreign affairs, media policy, finance and defence. He chaired several committees, including the working group on the Hercules aeroplane crash. Following his 12-year membership of the House of Representatives, he assumed the position of chairman of the Health Care Insurance Board.
From 2007, Mr Hillen was a member of the Senate for the CDA.
On 14 October 2010, Mr J.S.J. Hillen (drs.) is appointed as Minister of Defence in the Rutte-Verhagen cabinet.
From 1998 to 2001, Hans Hillen was parliamentary party secretary of the CDA.
He has held a great number of positions, including:
- Columnist for Elsevier Weekblad and Katholiek Nieuwsblad
- Member of the executive board of VNO-NCW (Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers)
- Chairman of the Centrum voor Merk en Communicatie (“Centre for Brands and Communication”)
- Special member of the Research Council for Security (2006-2008)
- Chairman of the Friends of the Metropole Orchestra foundation (from 2007)
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