Former Greenery and Procter & Gamble executive Michiel van Ginkel has been named as the new managing director of Zon Holding, which owns Dutch fresh produce company Zon Fruit & Vegetables.
The appointment, effective from the start of December, follows the shock departure earlier this year of Gerjo Scheringa, whose decision to leave in May prompted a six-month search for a successor.
During his two-year tenure, Scheringa was instrumental in leading a major reorganisation of Zon – nicknamed the House in Order plan – followed by the adoption of a new strategy centred around a smaller, slimmer and more market-focused operation.
Van Ginkel previously worked for Procter & Gamble, The Greenery and HJ Heinz. Between 2005 and 2012 he was managing director of Dutch processed produce company Hak, helping it to achieve a strong market return before spending a couple of years as a management consultant.
“Fresh fruit and vegetables are among the best that Netherlands has to offer internationally,” Van Ginkel commented.
“I look forward to working with all of my colleagues and growers to strengthen the Zon sales organisation’s position so that more customers and consumers can enjoy our healthy and delicious products.”
The group’s management and supervisory board was said to be excited about the appointment.
'We want to expand our position in the market in the coming years,” said Zon president Ton Reijnders.
“In our opinion, Michiel van Ginkel comes from the right background. With his background at Hak and Heinz among others, he also has extensive experience in building commercial relationships with retailers. We wish him every success at Zon.”
