Joachim Schneider Nunhems

Nunhems has announced that Douwe Zijp has stepped down from his position as Nunhems CEO and Bayer CropScience head of vegetable seeds.

In a statement, the group revealed that he has been succeeded by Joachim Schneider, former vice-president of strategic growth & public affairs at Bayer CropScience.

Douwe Zijp leaves his role after 16 years of service to the company, of which nine years has been spent as chairman of the management board of Nunhems BV.

'With his passion and drive, Douwe has had a significant share in the strong development of our vegetable seed business,' said Mathias Kremer, head of strategy and member of the executive committee of Bayer CropScience. 'We thank him for his excellent service, and wish him all the best for the future,'

In Joachim Schneider, he is confident to have found a strong successor.

“Joachim is an expert with vast experience in crop protection and seeds,' Kremer added. 'We see the business in good hands with him, and are convinced that he will help continue our success story in vegetables.'

Douwe Zijp will work alongside Joachim Schneider for a one month handover period and leaves Bayer by 30 September 2013.

“I am excited to be back in the seeds business, and determined to carry on the great work of my predecessor,' Schneider explained. 'Innovation in vegetables is our goal, and ongoing specialisation and strong partnerships with our customers and business partners will help us deliver on this promise.”