Pieter W. C. M. Cobelens
About Pieter
Major General (ret.) Pieter Cobelens is a leading Dutch expert in defence intelligence, military operations, and strategic government advisory. He began his military career in 1971 at the Royal Military Academy in Breda. After graduating in 1976, he held a series of key positions within air defence, air traffic control, and operational planning in the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
His career took a strategic turn after his promotion to colonel and his appointment as Head of Military Training at the Royal Military Academy. He subsequently served for several years at the heart of the Defence Staff, including as Chief of Operational Plans and Head of Operations at the Crisis Management Centre. In 2000, he was appointed Senior Military Adviser to the Netherlands Permanent Representation to NATO in Brussels. Upon returning to the Netherlands, he was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Operations at the Defence Staff.
In 2006, Cobelens was appointed Director of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). In this role, he was the principal adviser to the Minister of Defence and a member of the National Security Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. Under his leadership, the foundations for the Netherlands’ cyber defence capabilities were laid. Alongside his position, he also held strategic leadership roles in the public sector, such as chairman of a hospital and a housing association.
Following his retirement in 2011, Cobelens remained active as an adviser to various Dutch companies. He founded Military Talent for Business Solutions and has since provided strategic advice on leadership, security, and crisis management to the business sector.
Pieter Cobelens is a graduate of the Advanced Staff Course and the NATO Defence College. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Leiden University. His decorations include the Royal Netherlands Air Force Medal of Honour, the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and appointment as Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords.
