Joost Fanoy appointed new Managing Partner of BarentsKrans
The Hague, 5 January 2026 – BarentsKrans has appointed Joost Fanoy as its new Managing Partner, effective 1 January 2026. Together with Michiel Martin and operations director Cosima Stroeve, he will form the executive board. Joost succeeds Jesse Zijlma, who has led the firm since 2020. His leadership was characterised by continued professionalisation and growth, culminating in the opening of the firm’s second office in Amsterdam.
Joost Fanoy has been with BarentsKrans since 2012. As a partner in the EU & Competition practice, he advises national and international companies on matters including cartels, abuse of (economic) dominance, distribution agreements and merger control. He also specialises in competition litigation (private enforcement) and public procurement disputes.
“It is an honour to assume the chairmanship of the board,” says Joost Fanoy. “BarentsKrans has a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality legal services supported by a culture of professionalism and collaboration. Together with Michiel and Cosima, I look forward to further develop the firm, with an emphasis on quality, innovation and developing our talent.”
Under Joost’s leadership, BarentsKrans aims to further broaden its offering, with the ambition to be the leading independent full‑service Dutch firm for the business market. In a legal sector where an increasing number of firms are merging on an international level, BarentsKrans deliberately chooses an independent position. This enables the firm to continue providing high‑quality legal services to national and international clients seeking a reliable Dutch partner.