Philip Smits has announced his intention to step down as general manager of leading Dutch marketer The Greenery, the company has confirmed.
The official announcement came during a meeting of the group's council of members with the executive board of grower group Coöperatie Coforta and the general management of The Greenery.
The executive board, supervisory board and management of The Greenery and Coforta said in a statement that they respected Smits' decision.
Okke Koo has been appointed as interim CEO, a role he will carry out until mid-2014.
In the meantime, until a permanent successor is found, Albert Knol will assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of the group and its core business.
'As requested by the executive board and the management, Philip Smits will continue his work on a number of external supervisory boards, including those of EPS and Inova,' said The Greenery's corporate communications manager Chantal Oostvogels.
Smits' connection with The Greenery goes back to 2006, since when the marketer has coped with the continued growth in sales to retail customers and the introduction of more professional structures and strategies within the organisation.
Oostvogels confirmed that a focus on 'turnover growth, improved profits and operational excellence' would continue 'unabated'.
'We would like to express our appreciation to Philip Smits for his efforts on behalf of The Greenery and wish him every success in the future,' she added.
