Hidde first joined Royal Joh. Enschedé in 2013 as an Industrial Engineering intern. He enjoyed the experience so much that he returned as a summer employee before completing another internship. During those early years, he was introduced to almost every aspect of the business, from quality control to testing banknotes under a wide range of conditions.

“Yes, including testing them with synthetic sweat and even putting them through the washing machine. That’s when you really discover what goes into creating a secure and durable value document.”

After graduating, Hidde joined the Internal Control department, where he was responsible for monitoring security procedures and coordinating the logistics of secure documents. The role led to some remarkable experiences, including accompanying international banknote shipments. “For one shipment to Africa, I travelled on a cargo aircraft alongside pallets loaded with banknotes. I slept in a hammock on board and was met by armed security personnel when we landed. Getting the right signatures and even a passport stamp turned out to be quite a challenge.”

He also vividly remembers a major shipment to the Philippines. The sheer volume of banknotes required no fewer than thirty shipping containers. “The containers were welded shut after loading before being transported to the port. Even getting them safely onto the vessel required specialised training.”

When Royal Joh. Enschedé stopped printing euro banknotes in 2017, Hidde’s own career also took a new direction. Following the departure of his predecessor, he was given the opportunity to become Security Manager. To prepare for the role, he completed several programmes in security management, facility management and compliance.

“In the beginning, my role was mainly operational and coordinating. Today, I spend much more time on the strategic side of security. That variety is what makes the job so rewarding.” His role gained an additional international dimension following Royal Joh. Enschedé’s integration into Authentix. Where he once worked primarily with colleagues in Haarlem, he now regularly collaborates with security specialists around the world.

“It’s incredibly valuable to exchange knowledge and experiences with colleagues worldwide. We learn from each other and increasingly approach security from an international perspective. It’s that collaboration within a strong global team that makes our security even stronger.” While the work continues to evolve, the importance of security remains unchanged. Royal Joh. Enschedé still produces a wide range of secure documents where trust and integrity are essential.

“We produce postage stamps, tax stamps, diplomas, election materials, visas and passport components, among other things. Security is therefore at the heart of everything we do.”

In addition to his role, Hidde is a member of the Security Expert Register Netherlands (SERN). He is among a select group of professionals certified as MSec (Registered Manager of Security), the highest professional registration within the Dutch security industry.

For Hidde, the greatest challenge lies in the continuous evolution of his profession.

“New technologies, changing threats, international collaboration and the wide variety of customer projects ensure that no two days are ever the same. I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen the security, reliability and reputation of Royal Joh. Enschedé as a trusted security printer together with my colleagues.”