Wezep, 31 October 2022 – Plukon Food Group announced today that Peter Poortinga will step down as CEO on 31 March 2023. Kees Kraijenoord has been appointed as successor as of 1 April 2023.
Peter Poortinga informed the Supervisory Board on 1 April 2022 that he wished to step down from his current role as CEO, having led the company for 22 years. The Supervisory Board and Shareholders appreciated his timely notice as this has enabled a well-coordinated succession process. On 27 September 2022 and on the recommendation of the Supervisory Board, the shareholders appointed Kees Kraijenoord, the company’s current CFO, as CEO as from 1 April 2023. Both will use the coming period to ensure a good transfer of tasks. Peter Poortinga will become a member of the Supervisory Board as of 1 April 2023. The search for a new CFO is underway.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Juergen Steinemann stated: ‘Peter can reflect with great pride on an extraordinary career in poultry spanning some 35 years. He has provided excellent leadership and has considerably expanded Plukon Food Group during his time as Chief Executive Officer. He is leaving behind a robust and prominent European poultry company.’We would like to thank Peter for his leadership, his commitment and his contribution to Plukon’s considerable success. He has created an entrepreneurial and highly ambitious culture within Plukon, which we will certainly continue in the future. We are delighted that he will be joining the Supervisory Board, where he can use his knowledge and experience to further contribute to Plukon’s continued European growth.’
Juergen Steinemann continued: ‘Together with Peter, Kees Kraijenoord has played an important role in Plukon’s expansion since 2013, the last six years of which as group CFO. Kees is a strong leader and has all the qualities needed to lead Plukon successfully and profitably in its next growth phase. With his long track record at Plukon, his good view of people and clear translation of our strategy to the organisation, he knows how to get the best out of those around him.’
Kees Kraijenoord stated: ‘I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead this company. Plukon has various leading market positions. Entrepreneurship is high among our people, we also want in the future, to be a high performance organisation and we have huge growth potential in Europe. Our success will also need to continue based on our concepts, innovations, sustainability initiatives and transformation. We will build on the robust foundation laid under Peter’s leadership to implement our strategy and continue to create value for all our stakeholders. In doing so, we aim to work with our clients and partners to deliver sustainably produced, reliable and affordable proteins to European consumers.’
Peter Poortinga added: ‘It was a privilege and an honour to have had the opportunity to work for this great company for 35 years and to both expand and lead Plukon for the past 22 years. I’m so proud that, under a diverse range of owners (cooperative, private equity and family companies), we have been able to ensure Plukon’s growth from 250 million euro to over 2.5 billion euro turnover this year. Plukon is a fantastic company with a fantastic future and I’d like to congratulate Kees Kraijenoord wholeheartedly on his appointment. I’m looking forward to working on the transition of leadership to Kees in the coming six months.’
For more information: Plukon Food Group, Executive Assistants: +31 38 3766801 ea@plukon.nl
