Geneva, 2 September 2025
It is with deep respect and gratitude that we remember Jan van den Beld, who served as Secretary General of Ecma International from 1992 to 2007. Jan van den Beld passed on 27 August 2025 in Netherlands, he was 86 year old.
During his fifteen years of leadership, he left a profound and lasting impact on the world of information and communication technology standardization. Jan was a visionary leader, known for his pragmatism, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to advancing global standards. Under his guidance, Ecma International evolved into a globally recognized hub for ICT standardization.
Among his many contributions, Jan played a pivotal role in establishing Ecma as the home of ECMAScript (JavaScript), ensuring its survival and growth into one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. He also oversaw major advances in optical storage, programming languages such as C# and the Common Language Infrastructure, and work on Open Office document formats, all of which continue to shape the digital landscape. He was also pivotal in facilitating development of telecommunication interface standards including Near Field Communication, which is integral in a wide range of applications.
Jan continued to strengthened Ecma’s collaboration with ISO/IEC, and ITU, ensuring Ecma’s standards could move swiftly into international adoption. He played a significant role in building and growing the collaboration with ETSI and EU. His ability to balance industry needs with openness and technical rigor positioned Ecma as a trusted venue for developing standards that stood the test of time.
Jan’s legacy lives on in the countless technologies and standards that define our daily digital lives, and in the organization he helped shape into a respected global player. For all of us who had the privilege of working with him, Jan leaves behind not only an enduring professional legacy but also the memory of a remarkable colleague and friend.
On behalf of Ecma International and the wider standards community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of engineers, researchers, and leaders.
Jan is warmly remembered by many Ecma members, not only for his dedication to Ecma, but also as someone who always took time to share and celebrate in social moments. Beyond the formal sessions, Jan created lasting memories during dinners and gatherings, where his warmth, wit, and generosity shone.
Many recall evenings where, over cigars and Armagnac, conversations flowed easily from standards to life itself. His cheerful presence was especially felt at milestones like the 40th anniversary in Montreux in 2001 and the commemorative dinner in Zurich in 2006.
His contributions to Ecma will not be forgotten.
Ecma International