Martin Berendse studied Dutch Law at the University of Utrecht and worked as consultant and festival director before joining the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in 1998. In 2007 he was appointed Director of The National Archives of The Netherlands (Nationaal Archief) and –after completing the training required by law- was also made National Archivist of the Netherlands on 1 May 2009. He is currently chairing the International Council for Archives (ICA).