Chief Operating Officer (interim)

Tjipke Bergsma

Mr. Tjipke Bergsma has been appointed interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SOS Children’s Villages International for a 12-month tenure starting July 1, 2024.

Mr. Bergsma brings over 30 years of senior management experience in international development and children’s rights organizations, with roles across Africa, Latin America, and Europe. As Deputy CEO at Plan International in the UK, he oversaw Global Program Operations and led an operational review enhancing organizational efficiency and inclusivity. As CEO of War Child, he transformed it into a globally recognized expert in evidence-based mental health programs for children affected by conflict. His leadership extends to the private sector, particularly in the airline industry.

A Dutch national, Mr. Bergsma holds a master’s degree in marketing from the Netherlands Institute for Marketing and a master’s degree in sociolinguistics from the University of Amsterdam. He also studied 'Human Core Business' at the Academy for Management, University of Groningen.

Mr. Bergsma is married and has two twin sons.