Hein Deprez Univeg

The Univeg group of companies has announced that Hein Deprez is moving from his role as chief executive officer of the organisation to take up the twin roles of chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the strategic committee.

In his new role, The Belgian group said, Mr Deprez will focus on the strategic development of the company and on core customer relationships.

To achieve this, he will work in close cooperation with Rudi De Becker, who is succeeding Mr Deprez as Univeg CEO having already held a position on the group's board of directors.

'In view of the various acquisitions in recent years and the global scale of the Univeg group of companies, a special focus is needed, on the one hand on the further development of the corporate strategy and on the other hand on the management of daily operations,' said Mr Deprez in a statement. 'Whereas my main responsibility will be the further strategic development of the group, the CEO will take care of the operational side.

'I am delighted that Rudi De Becker has accepted to become the CEO of the Univeg Group,' Mr Deprez added. 'His experience will be invaluable in further integrating the various operating entities of the Univeg group of companies and in further internationalising and streamlining the Univeg organisation.'

Mr De Becker said that he was looking forward to working alongside Mr Deprez, the management team and the group's customers and suppliers in further strengthening Univeg's position as a global leader in the fresh produce market.

'Univeg's focus will remain the same,' he said. 'Building long-lasting relationships with its customers and leading retailers worldwide by delivering quality and added value.'