Jeroen (Drs. P.J.) Kans has been working as a freelancer in the book and publishing industry since 2007. Until 2024, he served as the Secretary of the Boekenbon Literature Prize (formerly the AKO Literature Prize), overseeing the entire process of the award, from jury coordination to the ceremony. Currently, he is the coordinator of the Querido Academy, an institute for creative writing. Since 2021, he has also been running an annual onboarding program for the General Publishers Association (GAU), designed to introduce newcomers to the publishing industry. Prior to 2007, he held various other roles in bookselling and publishing.

“The common thread in my work, as I’ve come to realize, is helping people make their dreams come true. Whether it’s budding professionals aiming to build a career in publishing or emerging writers dreaming of seeing their books published. That thread continues at IHMS: the festival offers young musicians a wonderful opportunity to grow, both musically and in their performance. As a classical music enthusiast, I see my membership on the board as a fantastic opportunity to contribute my knowledge and expertise to the development of these young artists.”

Jeroen completed his secondary education in Hoorn, studied Classical Languages in Amsterdam, and eventually returned to North Holland after a long stay in the capital, settling in Egmond aan den Hoef. Although he now also resides in Hilversum, he maintains a pied-à-terre in Egmond, drawn by the sea, the dunes, and the weekly rehearsals of his choir in Bergen.

In the IHMS Foundation Board, Jeroen is responsible for public relations and client management.