Arnold Stokking, who has been involved with Brightsite since its inception in 2019, is stepping down from his role as Managing Director. He will, however, remain connected to the knowledge center in an advisory capacity.
“It has been a true pleasure to lead Brightsite over the past years, and I’m proud of the steps we have taken together.”
Stokking’s departure comes earlier than planned. “I had already intended to gradually scale back and step down at the end of 2026. However, health issues are forcing me to make this decision sooner,” he explains. Stokking has officially left his position on 1 September 2025 and will be succeeded by Dave Beijer, who will serve as Interim Program Director for a period of one year. While stepping away from daily leadership, Stokking will remain actively involved as an advisor.
Proud of What We Have Achieved
“Brightsite is a unique public-private partnership between Sitech Services, TNO, Maastricht University (UM) and Brightlands Chemelot Campus (BCC), working closely with the companies at Chemelot,” says Stokking. “When we started in 2019, we didn’t yet have a clear vision of how the transition towards a more sustainable chemical industry should take shape. The Paris Climate Agreement, combined with Chemelot’s ambition to become the most sustainable site in Europe, was the trigger. Based on the knowledge we had then, we launched a program to accelerate the transition of the chemical industry towards renewable feedstocks — aiming for a climate-neutral sector and green material solutions for the many value chains that depend on basic chemicals.”
“Our program has evolved over time, and today the transition pathways for green chemistry are well defined. While the Paris Agreement mainly focused on CO₂ reduction, we also prioritized safeguarding employment from the very beginning. This is reflected in our renewed program and in the three editions of the Brightsite Transition Outlook (BTO). I’m proud of how far we’ve come in just six years. We have grown into a knowledge center that not only generates ideas but also acts on them — where fundamental, applied and experimental research run in parallel,” he explains.
Collaboration Is Key
“True innovation emerges where knowledge institutions and industry work together and excel. Brightsite is unique in bridging the gap between research and industry. In recent years, the connection between UM and TNO has been strengthened, and new collaborations with other universities have been established,” says Stokking.
One of the highlights of his directorship was the Brightsite Connaction Event on 20 November 2024. Alongside the publication of the Brightsite Transition Outlook 2024, the long-term partnership between Brightsite’s core partners was reaffirmed through an official signing ceremony.
“The scale and urgency of the transition leave no room for delay. That’s why we’re proud of the strong collaboration and commitment of all partners to our mission. Our mandate remains clear: accelerating the transition to sustainable feedstocks and processes that will have impact both at Chemelot and beyond. Chemelot is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the decarbonization of the chemical industry,” Stokking emphasizes.
A New Phase, New Leadership
“As Brightsite enters a new phase, this is the right moment for new leadership. My strength lies in pioneering and driving initiatives forward. Now that the roadmap is clear and it’s time to accelerate, a leadership transition is both natural and healthy. I look forward to onboarding my successor and am confident that I can pass Brightsite on with trust,” he explains.
Stokking will continue as figurehead of Green Chemistry, New Economy (GCNE).
“Brightsite is one of GCNE’s founding partners and plays a key role in the technical validation of innovative technologies. I expect the two initiatives to remain closely connected and to strengthen each other in realizing a sustainable future for the chemical industry.”
An Exceptional Team
“I owe a great deal to the fantastic Brightsite team. Over the past years, we’ve consistently brought the right people together. Our program lines are driven by the intrinsic motivation of passionate team members. Everyone shares the same ambition and contributes to our mission. That makes Brightsite a close-knit and extraordinary team. Thank you to everyone who has been — or still is — part of this journey,” Stokking concludes.
Brightsite is deeply grateful for Arnold Stokking’s infectious enthusiasm and his significant contributions over the years.
“We’re pleased that Arnold will remain involved with Brightsite as an advisor,” says René Slaghek, Technology Manager Brightsite. “From the very beginning, Arnold has been the face of Brightsite. With tireless energy and inspiring vision, he has brought the Brightsite mission to life, challenged and guided the team, and championed Brightsite both within and beyond Chemelot.”