Wilbert Lek succeeds Steven Bottema, who led Ice-World for more than eleven years. During this period, the company evolved from a relatively small organisation into an internationally operating specialist with a significantly expanded portfolio and a strong market position.

Under the leadership of Steven Bottema: eleven years of growth and international expansion

Under Bottema’s leadership, Ice-World delivered a wide range of ice projects worldwide. These included temporary ice rinks in cities and communities across across Europe, with a strong base in the Benelux. In addition, Ice-World delivered ice rinks for large-scale international winter experiences, ranging from winter wonderlands and touring ice shows to major productions like Madrid on Ice, realised inside the iconic Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium. In addition, Ice-World develops semi-permanent and permanent ice rinks for clients around the world.

Alongside Ice-World, Steven Bottema also further developed PlayFountain as a rental concept into a fully-fledged and internationally deployable part of the organisation.

Commenting on his successor, he said:
“In Wilbert, I see someone with international experience, a strong focus on people, and a good sense for the organisation. I have full confidence that he will guide Ice-World forward with care.”

Wilbert Lek: Experience supporting Ice-World’s international ambitions

Wilbert Lek brings extensive international management experience, with a career at the intersection of events, sports and organisational development. In previous roles, he has worked on large-scale and complex productions where experience design, logistics and close collaboration come together — expertise that aligns well with the international ice projects of Ice-World.

Prior to joining Ice-World, Wilbert served as CEO of Golazo Events Netherlands, where he was responsible for the organisation and further development of a wide range of sports and event concepts. Projects such as the Rotterdam Marathon require precision, scalability and strong cooperation with partners, public authorities and multidisciplinary teams — experience that directly translates to the delivery of complex international ice productions.

What appeals to Wilbert about Ice-World is the combination of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. Working with real ice, delivering projects in a wide variety of locations, and consistently creating high-quality experiences are, in his view, the company’s key strengths. He sees his role primarily as strengthening this foundation together with the team, while carefully expanding Ice-World’s international activities.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Ice-World will continue to build on its strong foundation, with a clear focus on quality, collaboration and long-term partnerships. With Wilbert Lek as Managing Director, the company aims to further strengthen its international activities in a careful and sustainable way — developing ice experiences that combine craftsmanship, scalability and a consistently high level of execution across diverse locations worldwide.

Reflecting on the transition, Steven Bottema commented:

“After more than eleven years of leading Ice-World with great pleasure, I felt this was the right moment to pass the baton. Wilbert brings international experience, a strong sense for people and organisations, and I am confident he will guide Ice-World carefully into its next stage.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Wilbert Lek said:

“Ice-World has built a unique position as a trusted partner for ice projects worldwide. By working with real ice and supporting clients from concept and design through logistics and rapid installation, we deliver high-quality experiences with strong attention to sustainability. With our solid base in Europe, I look forward to working with the team to take Ice-World’s international growth to the next level.”