The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is pleased to welcome Friso Penninga, Executive Director of Geonovum, to its Board of Directors.

Friso brings more than two decades of experience in geospatial information, standards development, and spatial data infrastructure. As Executive Director of Geonovum, the Netherlands’ National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) organization, he works to connect government, industry, academia, and the broader geospatial community around the development and adoption of shared standards and practices.

Since joining Geonovum in 2013, Friso has held a variety of leadership roles, including coordinating the organization’s Standardisation and Innovation Program before becoming Executive Director in January 2024. He also serves as a member of the Netherlands Standardisation Forum, helping advance the strategic use of standards across the Dutch public sector.

Friso’s career has been shaped by a longstanding focus on 3D geoinformation. He earned his PhD in 3D geoinformation from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where he later taught, and spent many years leading 3D geospatial initiatives within the Municipality of The Hague. His work has consistently focused on helping organizations better manage, share, and use geospatial information to support decision-making and public services.

“Friso brings a unique combination of technical expertise, standards leadership, and practical experience working across government and the geospatial community,” said Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC. “His perspective will be invaluable as OGC continues to bring together people and organizations to advance interoperability and address shared challenges.”

As a member of the OGC Board of Directors, Friso will help guide the organization’s strategic direction and support its mission of making geospatial information and technologies more accessible, interoperable, and impactful.

“OGC plays a unique role in bringing together a global community to solve complex challenges through collaboration and interoperability,” said Penninga. “I am honored to join the Board and look forward to contributing to OGC’s continued growth and impact.”

OGC looks forward to working with Friso and benefiting from his leadership and experience as the organization continues to connect communities, advance standards, and support the practical implementation of geospatial technologies worldwide.