Key Takeaways:
- Ron van der Knaap Steps Down: After 40 years as CEO, Ron is stepping down and will remain involved as an ambassador.
- Jelte Veenstra Appointed CEO: Jelte Veenstra, who has been with the company for over 20 years, will take over day-to-day management.
- Company Focus: Van der Knaap Group will continue focusing on growth, innovation, and backward chain integration.
- Leadership Transition: The company is modernizing its structure while maintaining its values as a family business.
Ron van der Knaap to Step Down as CEO
On January 1, 2025, Ron van der Knaap, founder and CEO of the Van der Knaap Group, will officially step down from his role. The company, which specializes in providing high-quality growing and rooting media to the horticulture industry, announced that Ron will pass the day-to-day management responsibilities to Jelte Veenstra, who has been with the company for over two decades.
Leadership Transition
Ron’s decision to step back comes after a period of management changes aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the company. He emphasized the importance of selecting a successor who understands the organization and its industry. In a statement, Ron said, “I find it important that my successor has a lot of knowledge of the organisation and of the market in which we operate. Someone with broad interests and a lot of experience in an international production environment. In Jelte, we have found such a person.”
Ron will continue to play a role in the company as an ambassador, focusing on innovation and customer contact. As a shareholder, he will remain involved in the company’s strategic direction.
Jelte Veenstra to Lead the Van der Knaap Group
Jelte Veenstra, who has been with Van der Knaap Group for over 20 years, will take over as CEO. Since 2016, Jelte has been responsible for the supply chain of coco substrate as a director, gaining international experience in this role.
Commenting on his appointment, Jelte stated, “The challenge of leading the company in a rapidly developing market, driving innovations, and tapping into new markets makes me take this opportunity with both hands. It is fantastic to be able to give direction to an organisation that greatly contributes to a sector that is responsible for important issues such as sustainable food production.”
Future Direction
Looking forward, both Ron and Jelte outlined the company’s growth strategy, which includes backward chain integration to enhance product quality and reliability. They highlighted recent innovations such as the Organic Water System (OWS) and circular raw materials and fertilizers as examples of the company’s focus on sustainability. Jelte also emphasized the importance of continuity for customers, staff, and stakeholders, stating, “We want to keep the beautiful aspects of a family business, but also want to grow and continue professionalising to be ready for the future.”
