VION will appoint Michiel Herkemij as CEO and chairman of the executive board. He starts work on 15 January 2014.
Herkemij is said to have extensive international experience in the food and beverage sector, and has led various companies through periods of transition. In his role as CEO of Douwe Egberts Master Blenders, he managed its move to an independent company following its divestment from Sara Lee.
Prior to this, he was involved in the acquisition and integration of FEMSA’s beer division for Heineken and subsequently fulfilled the position of CEO in Mexico.
Previously, Herkemij had worked in Nigeria as the CEO of Nigerian Breweries, a Heineken subsidiary. He has also led operations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East for FrieslandCampina. VION said that Herkemij will plot a new strategic course, continue to work on the new Food structure and the quality of VION operations and its products.
