Snel recentely resigned due to the recent childcare benefits affair. Vijlbrief will be responsible for directing the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). He is familiar with the Ministry due to previously holding the position of treasurer general, one of the most important civil service posts at the Ministry.

Vijlbrief was appointed as a professor at the University of Amsterdam in September 2018. His new role as State Secretary unfortunately means he will have to resign from his position at the UvA.
Both Vijlbrief and Van Huffelen will be sworn in on 29 January.