Michel Driessen hands over daily management as CEO of Verstegen
Rotterdam, June 3, 2024 - Effective June 1, 2024, Michel Driessen, CEO of Verstegen Spices & Sauces BV, has transferred the day-to-day management of the family business to Mark Schraauwen, Chief Commercial Officer, after 11 years. Driessen will remain the owner of Verstegen and closely involved in the company's future by serving on the Advisory Board. With the leadership transition, Driessen aims to free up more time as an ambassador for Verstegen's sustainable vision and a source of inspiration and advice for the organization. Driessen sees Mark Schraauwen as a skilled manager who can further professionalize Verstegen, and with this step, he ensures the continuity of the family business's sustainability ambitions.
Powerful steps
Under Michel Driessen's leadership, Verstegen has taken significant steps in sustainability for the next generation. Driessen's vision was, and still is, to combine a passion for delicious flavors with care for nature and society. Verstegen is committed to a transparent herb and spice supply chain, from farm to fork. Under Driessen's leadership, they have worked hard to preserve biodiversity in the cultivation of their products, which benefits both taste, quality, and the environment.
Driessen: “I'm grateful for my time as CEO at Verstegen, a wonderful family business with passionate people, all 550 of whom are committed to our mission: to become the most sustainable herb and spice company in the world. As a family business, we believe in creating a better world for future generations. With Mark as our new CEO, we're taking a strategic step towards further professionalization and innovation. This will allow me to free up more time to contribute to our sustainability mission as an ambassador.”
Focus on sustainability and innovation
Mark Schraauwen is a familiar face at Verstegen. After a career in the food industry, he joined Verstegen six years ago, serving the last three as CCO. "Our focus on sustainability and quality remains unchanged. We will continue to invest in new technologies, processes, and innovations. These contribute to our mission of sustainability, the finest taste, and quality. Collaboration with partners is crucial to our success. We will continue to strengthen our relationships to achieve our goals together."
Photo: Mark Schraauwen (left) and Michel Driessen (right). © Verstegen Spices & Sauces