Rob Bauer — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as the 33rd Chair of the Military Committee (CMC) of NATO from June 2021 until January 2025.
Acted as the Netherlands Chief of Defence from October 2017 until April 2021, commanding the Navy, Army, Air Force, and other defence organizations.
Promoted to Admiral (OF 9) on September 22, 2017.
Appointed Aide de Camp in Special Service to the King of the Netherlands on April 28, 2021.
Member of the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei (2015-2021), National Cyber Security Council (2012-2015), Council for Defence Research and Development (2012-2015), and Netherlands Coastguard Council (2012-2015).
Currently an Edge Fellow at Deloitte.

Biography

Rob Bauer joined the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1981, embarking on a career spanning over 43 years until his retirement on June 1, 2025. From June 2021 until January 2025, he served as the 33rd Chair of the Military Committee (CMC) of NATO, holding the position of the highest military officer in NATO and acting as the military advisor to the Secretary General. In this capacity, he also chaired the Academic Advisory Board of the NATO Defence College in Rome.