Royal Agrifirm Group has appointed Stefan Bulthuis as its Chief Financial Officer, effective from April 1, 2024. He will take over this role from Margret Kleinsman, who has chosen not to extend her term of office. She will stand down on 31 March 2024.

Bulthuis started out as an accountant with Deloitte, after completing his studies in Business Administration. In 2000 he made the switch to FrieslandCampina. There he spent a total of 18 years working in the role of Finance Director for parts of the company including WAMCO Nigeria, Consumer Products Benelux and, finally, the Cheese, Butter & Milk Powder business unit, which generates a turnover of 3 billion euros, has 23 factories and employs 3,600 staff. In 2018, Bulthuis took up the post of CFO of Prinsen Berning, a producer of sports nutrition and dietary products and a portfolio company of private-equity investor Bencis.

"We are convinced that, with his international experience in our sector and his background at both a cooperative and a private-equity portfolio company, Stefan will make a valuable contribution to the transition we have set in motion, aimed at further future-proofing Royal Agrifirm Group and helping us put a responsible food chain in place together for future generations," said Arian Kamp, chairman of the supervisory board of Royal Agrifirm Group.

"What I particularly appreciate is the fact that Agrifirm is a cooperative," said Bulthuis. "I have more than 18 years of experience of working in this field."

"Agrifirm is a global player and I am constantly on the lookout for challenges; this is particularly important because, as a company in the agricultural sector, you need to keep evolving," he added. "The strength of financial leadership is not only about figures, but also about fostering sustainable growth. Together with the team I am committed to building further on the solid foundations already in place."