Herna Verhagen, chief executive of postal company PostNL, has been voted the most powerful woman in the Netherlands by feminist magazine Opzij.

The jury said the improvement in PostNL’s financial situation is entirely due to Verhagen’s efforts.

‘She is not just an outstanding leader but a builder and a binder,’ the jury said. The top 100 list includes women from industry, politics and culture and includes fashion company boss Olcay Gulsen, education minister Jet Bussemaker and television presenter Linda de Mol.

Former European Commissioner Neelie Kroes was awarded a lifetime achievement prize for her drive to get women into top jobs. ‘She is a role model for women and has been at the top as junior minister, minister, board chairwoman, business woman and European commissioner for nearly 50 years,’ the jury said.