Kennedy Van der Laan appoints Machteld Hiemstra as partner

Kennedy Van der Laan has announced the appointment of Machteld Hiemstra as a partner in their Intellectual Property practice group, effective from June 1, 2026. With her arrival, the Amsterdam-based law firm aims to bolster its expertise in life sciences and patent law, two areas increasingly crucial in today’s fast-evolving regulatory landscape.

Machteld Hiemstra comes to Kennedy Van der Laan with a wealth of experience in both national and international regulations pertinent to the life sciences sector. Registered as a representative of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), she has a particular focus on (cross-border) litigation within this framework. Her clientele predominantly consists of pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, electronics firms, and suppliers of consumer goods, allowing her to develop a strong technical affinity along with in-depth knowledge of their products and services.

Jan-Willem Siebers, CEO of Kennedy Van der Laan, expressed confidence in Hiemstra's capabilities, stating that “Developments in life sciences and technology are moving rapidly and increasingly intersect with complex international regulations and societal issues. Machteld understands this dynamic.” He further highlighted her extensive experience in market regulation and patent law, noting her “keen awareness of the environment in which our clients operate.” Siebers emphasized that Hiemstra's expertise aligns perfectly with the firm's ambition to assist organisations in transitioning toward a more sustainable and future-proof world, where technology and innovation are paramount.

Prior to joining Kennedy Van der Laan, Machteld held the position of partner at Simmons & Simmons. She has also been a partner at Pinsent Masons and Hogan Lovells. Earlier in her career, from 2004 to 2007, she served as in-house legal counsel at AkzoNobel, handling product liability and pharmaceutical regulatory matters.

This strategic appointment underscores Kennedy Van der Laan's commitment to expanding its capabilities and responding to the evolving needs of its clients in the life sciences domain. With Hiemstra on board, the firm is poised to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of technology, law, and societal challenges. For more information, interested parties can reach out via Stampa at kvdl@stampacommunications.com or call +31 (0)20 404 2630