Roelof Nelissen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roelof Nelissen
Roelof Nelissen in 1971
Deputy Prime Minister
In office 6 July 1971 – 11 May 1973 Serving with Molly Geertsema
Prime Minister	Barend Biesheuvel
Preceded by	Johan Witteveen Joop Bakker
Succeeded by	Dries van Agt
Minister of Finance
In office 6 July 1971 – 11 May 1973
Prime Minister	Barend Biesheuvel
Preceded by	Johan Witteveen
Succeeded by	Wim Duisenberg
Minister for Suriname and Netherlands Antilles Affairs
In office 6 July 1971 – 28 January 1972
Prime Minister	Barend Biesheuvel
Preceded by	Joop Bakker
Succeeded by	Pierre Lardinois
Minister of Economic Affairs
In office 14 January 1970 – 6 July 1971
Prime Minister	Piet de Jong
Preceded by	Johan Witteveen (Ad interim)
Succeeded by	Harrie Langman
Member of the House of Representatives
In office 7 December 1972 – 7 March 1973
In office 11 May 1971 – 6 July 1971
In office 5 June 1963 – 14 January 1970
Parliamentary group	Catholic People's Party
Personal details
Born	Roelof Johannes Nelissen (1931-04-04)4 April 1931 Hoofdplaat, Netherlands
Died	18 July 2019(2019-07-18) (aged 88) Hilversum, Netherlands
Political party	Christian Democratic Appeal (from 1980)
Other political affiliations	Catholic People's Party (until 1980)
Spouse	Annemarie van der Kelen ​ ​ (m. 1957; her death 2018)​
Residences	Laren, Netherlands
Alma mater	Radboud University Nijmegen (Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws)
Occupation	Politician · Jurist · Economist · Businessman · Banker · Financial adviser · Corporate director · Nonprofit director · Trade association executive · Lobbyist
Military service
Allegiance	Netherlands
Branch/service	Royal Netherlands Army
Years of service	1955–1956 (Conscription) 1956–1961 (Reserve)
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	Medical Corps
Battles/wars	Cold War

Roelof Johannes Nelissen (born April 4, 1931 – died July 18, 2019) was a Dutch politician and businessman. He was a member of the Catholic People's Party, which later joined to form the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party.

Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Roelof Nelissen went to a special high school called a Gymnasium from 1943 to 1949. After that, he studied Tax law at Radboud University Nijmegen. He earned two law degrees by 1956.

After his studies, Nelissen served in the Royal Netherlands Army. He was a Sergeant in the Medical Corps from 1956 to 1957. Later, he worked for a business association, helping to manage it from 1956 to 1968.

Political Journey

Nelissen became a Member of the House of Representatives in 1963. This meant he helped make laws for the Netherlands. He focused on topics like finances, housing, and small businesses.

In 1970, he became the Minister of Economic Affairs. This role meant he was in charge of the country's economy.

After the 1971 election, Nelissen took on even bigger roles. He became the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. As Minister of Finance, he managed the country's money. He also served as Minister for Suriname and Netherlands Antilles Affairs for a short time.

The government he was part of ended in 1972 because one of the political parties disagreed with their plans for the country's budget. Nelissen continued his roles in a temporary government until a new one was formed in 1973. He then left national politics.

Career in Banking

After leaving politics, Roelof Nelissen started a new career in the private business world. In 1973, he became a financial advisor for the AMRO Bank.

He quickly moved up in the bank. By 1979, he was a top financial leader (Chief Financial Officer) and a vice-chairman on the bank's board. In 1983, he became the main leader (Chief Executive Officer or CEO) and chairman of the board for AMRO Bank.

In 1991, AMRO Bank merged with another large bank, the General Bank of the Netherlands (ABN). Together, they formed ABN AMRO. Nelissen became the CEO and chairman of the board for this new, bigger bank until 1992.

Awards and Honours

Roelof Nelissen received several important awards during his life. These honours recognized his service and achievements.

Honours
Ribbon bar	Honour	Country	Date	Comment
	Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre	Holy See	15 August 1971
	Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau	Netherlands	8 June 1973
	Grand Officer of the Honorary Order of the Palm	Suriname	25 April 1978
	Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown	Belgium	15 May 1984