Károly Illy appointed as new director of Lung Foundation Netherlands (Longfonds)

The Supervisory Board of Longfonds has announced that it has appointed Károly Illy as its new director. Illy is currently a paediatrician at Ziekenhuis Rivierenland Tiel and -until mid June ’23- chairman of the Dutch Paediatric Association. On October 1st, he will take over from Michael Rutgers at Longfonds.

The Supervisory Board is happy to present Károly Illy as Rutgers’ successor. The Board is impressed by Illy's performance and is confident that he can take Longfonds forward in the rapidly changing societal landscape,’ says Patricia Huijbregts, chair of the Supervisory Board. Illy is delighted with his appointment: ‘Longfonds is an organization with a mission, and I consider it an honour to lead it. I am excited to work towards representing the interests of 1.2 million individuals with lung disease in our country.’

Wealth of experience

Illy has a wealth of expertise and experience in the medical sector and in managing healthcare organisations. He has worked as a paediatrician at Ziekenhuis Rivierenland for almost 30 years, including eight years as chairman of the Medical Staff. Since 2008, he has worked as a medical specialist in patient safety. Illy combines his work at the hospital with roles as chairman of the Dutch Paediatric Association and board member of the European Academy of Paediatrics. He is also vice chairman of the Supervisory Board at Pantein Zorggroep. Illy is a prominent member of the Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT).

Prevention and Smoke-Free Generation

Michael Rutgers is proud that Illy will succeed him: ‘He is substantively experienced in the field of lung disease and has much experience in the political domain through his role in the OMT. For many years, Illy has been dedicated to the cause of preventing lung disease and to promoting a Smoke-Free Generation. I have great faith that Longfonds will flourish under his leadership as he becomes a part of a respected organisation with important societal objectives.

World without lung disease

Longfonds is Europe's largest respiratory patients organisation. Under Károly Illy's leadership, Longfonds will continue to work on its mission: eliminate lung disease from the world and contribute to a healthier and happier life for people with lung disease. Almost 40,000 volunteers and around 85 enthusiastic staff are committed to a world where everyone can breathe freely. To rapidly achieve this goal, working together and partnering is increasingly paramount. Longfonds collaborates with many like-minded health organisations and foundations, leading scientists and corporate partners.