Dutch company Olympic Food Group (OFG) has appointed Albert Knol as its new managing director and revealed that Thijs van den Heuvel, its present MD, is to step aside.
Knol, who was chief financial officer at The Greenery between 2005 and mid-2014, will take up the new role from the start of 2016.
Van den Heuvel, meanwhile, who founded OFG subsidiary Olympic Fruit in 2001, has confirmed that he will continue to be closely involved in the group, in which he remains a major investor.
Commenting on his successor’s appointment, he said Knol would bring plenty of experience to the business.
“With Albert Knol we have found a capable director,” he said. “The board of directors and co-workers of the OFG companies will get an experienced leader. He possesses extensive knowledge and experience. I have got confidence in the fact that he can manage our companies outstandingly.”
Olympic Food Group incorporates a number of subsidiary companies operating in the fresh produce business, including Olympic Fruit and Hoofdman-Roodzant.
During his time at The Greenery, Knol was credited with several major improvements at the business, particularly during a recent difficult period of reorganisation and restructuring, which followed a serious decline in profitability.
In late 2013, he assumed temporary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the group after general manager Philip Smits stepped down.
