Hendrix Genetics has appointed Jolanda van Haarlem as chief executive officer. She will join Hendrix Genetics on March 1, 2021. After a short transition period, she will take over for Antoon van den Berg, who is stepping down after a successful period of 16 years as CEO. Jolanda van Haarlem is an experienced business leader who has worked in senior roles and spent most of her career in animal nutrition.

A change in leadership and governance structure is part of Hendrix Genetics’ Vision 2025 strategic plan. With the appointment of Jolanda van Haarlem, current founding shareholders of Hendrix Genetics, Thijs Hendrix and Antoon van den Berg, step down from their management positions and positions in the executive committee. They will remain shareholders of Hendrix Genetics and closely involved in the future development of the company.

From 2005, Thijs Hendrix and Antoon van den Berg have led Hendrix Genetics through a strong growth phase, building the company to breed seven animal species, with 3,500 employees and operations in 25 countries.

“It has been a true pleasure to lead Hendrix Genetics and see the company grow,” stated Antoon van den Berg. “Today, we are well-positioned to continue building on our strong momentum we have created ourselves. Therefore, I am excited to welcome Jolanda to the company. Her track record, depth of international experience and people skills makes her an ideal leader to lead the company into a new era of growth and market leadership.”

Thijs Hendrix, majority shareholder and president of the company, added, “We have been very fortunate with the leadership of Antoon van den Berg and look forward to continue to work together as shareholders to further develop the company.”

Jolanda has extensive international management experience in agribusiness and animal nutrition. Since September 2018, she has directed Cargill Animal Nutrition EMEAR (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia). Prior to her current position, she held various other senior management positions at Cargill, including the position of managing director of China from 2013 till 2017. Before Jolanda joined Cargill, she was employed by Provimi, EBI Food Safety, Quest International and Friesland Campina, mainly in sales and marketing management positions.

With this appointment, the executive committee of Hendrix Genetics will consist of chief executive officer Jolanda van Haarlem, chief financial officer Mariëtte Ferrari, chief operating officer Raf Beeren and chief innovation & technology officer Johan van Arendonk.