Nutreco CEO set to exit the business

08-Apr-2024 - Last updated on 08-Apr-2024 at 14:46 GMT

"It is time for me to broaden my horizons."

Fulco van Lede, the CEO of Nutreco, has announced his intention to step down from his position this summer after leading the company for the past three years.

Reflecting on his tenure, van Lede expressed gratitude for his time at Nutreco and underscored the privilege of collaborating with the company’s team in addressing the challenge of sustainably. However, after two decades within SHV, including ten years at the board level, he said it was time to explore new horizons and step down as CEO.

David Blakemore will assume the role of CEO upon van Lede’s exit. He joined Nutreco in 2022 as CEO of Trouw Nutrition, and brings over 30 years of industry experience, marked by a focus on nurturing customer relationships, driving commercial and innovation initiatives, and fostering operational excellence.

Therese Log Bergjord, who has served as CEO of Skretting for seven years, has also disclosed her decision to resign, effective June 1. She affirmed her commitment to championing sustainable aquaculture even as she transitions to new endeavors.

Bastiaan van Tilburg, currently the managing director for Trouw Nutrition Europe and Central Asia, will succeed her as CEO of Nutreco's aqua feed manufacturing arm.

Additionally, Eduardo Lopes Alberto, who assumed the role of vice president global innovation for Trouw Nutrition in January 2024, will take over from Blakemore as CEO of Trouw Nutrition.

Female executive to lead Agrifirm in Asia

In other feed and agribusiness appointments news, Doris Yu, a seasoned female executive with over 20 years of experience in the food and agriculture industry, has been appointed as the MD of Agrifirm's Asia division.

She brings a wealth of leadership experience from companies like Cargill and DSM, and most recently was senior VP and general manager at Yara International.

This appointment follows the tenure of Jeroen Jeuken, who led Agrifirm's Asian division for a decade, with the company outlining how he achieved significant milestones despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. Jeuken will facilitate a smooth transition alongside Yu before pursuing other opportunities.

China is the biggest market for Agrifirm in the Asian region.