BarentsKrans

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.

Due to the growth of its Amsterdam practice, BarentsKrans will relocate from 2Amsterdam to Symphony Offices in the Zuidas district on 2 November. The new location is four times the size of the current office. With the relocation, BarentsKrans is investing in the continued development of the firm and strengthening its presence in the Zuidas district. The expansion reflects BarentsKrans’ ambition to be the independent full-service law firm of choice for the business market. Room for further growth The new office at Symphony Offices covers 1,083 m² and features a spacious reception and lounge area, five meeting rooms, and both dedicated and flexible workspaces. The design provides ample space for colleagues from Amsterdam and The Hague to meet and work together. Joost Fanoy, Chair of the Executive Board of BarentsKrans: “The growth of our firm means that we need a larger office in Amsterdam. At Symphony Offices, we create space for further expansion of our teams and areas of expertise, while also strengthening the connections between our people and practice groups. From The Hague and Amsterdam, we will continue to build one integrated firm, with quality, collaboration and entrepreneurship at its core.”