The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Aruba, Ari Swaen, provided extensive details regarding the professional trajectory followed to reach the appointment of Mr. Thomas Domhoff as the new President of the Central Bank of Aruba (CBA). The process, which spanned several months, was designed to ensure that the most prominent and capable candidate would assume the leadership of our highest financial institution.
Timeline and External Expertise The preparations began at the end of 2024, when it became known that the previous president’s term would end on December 1. By June 2025, a formal decision was made to open a public application process and in July of the same year, a Dutch firm was contracted. The company, known for its experience in recruiting directors for entities in Aruba, helped establish the job profile and the competencies required for the position.
The vacancy was not limited to the local level. The call was published in newspapers in Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, the Windward Islands, and the Netherlands. Additionally, digital platforms such as LinkedIn and the Central Bank’s own portal were used to attract top talent.
By the deadline of September 7, 2025, a total of eight candidates submitted their applications:
- Aruba: 6 candidates.
- Sint Maarten: 1 candidate.
- Curaçao: 1 candidate (Mr. Domhoff).
For the final evaluation, a “score sheet” with concrete criteria was used, and candidates were subjected to a rigorous screening process. After this profound analysis, it was concluded that Mr. Thomas Domhoff was the strongest and most suitable candidate for the position.
Minister Wever emphasized the importance of the Central Bank’s independence and thanked the Supervisory Board, under the guidance of Mr. Ari Swaen, Mr. Li Wong, and Mr. Gerardo Oduber, for their exemplary work in this process. With this appointment, Aruba ensures a professional transition whose main objective is the protection of the economic and financial stability of our country, according to Minister of Finance and Economy Geoffrey Wever.