The trade body for private equity firms in the Netherlands has appointed as its new chairwoman a former deputy prime minister, whose political party is set to play a crucial role in deciding on new legislation impacting the industry.

NVP has named Annemarie Jorritsma to succeed chairman Philip Houben, according to a statement on August 31. Jorritsma, a member of the liberal pro-business VVD party - which governs together with social democrats PvdA - is a well-known politician in the Netherlands, having served as deputy prime minister between 1998 and 2002.