Vion Food Group appoints Tjarda Klimp as incoming CEO

NETHERLANDS – Netherlands-based Vion Food Group is naming its CFO, Tjarda Klimp, as the new CEO.

She will be taking over from Ronald Lotgerink, who is stepping down at the end of 2024. 

This leadership change comes as the meat processor continues to review and adjust its operations in Germany.

Lotgerink, who has led Vion since 2018, is leaving after guiding the company through several strategic transformations. 

Before his time at Vion, Lotgerink served as the CEO of Zwanenberg Food Group. Klimp, who became Vion’s CFO in 2021, brings experience from both the healthcare and chemical sectors. 

On his new role, Klimp said, “With my farming background, I am proud to lead Vion toward a future-proof organization, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.”

Theo Koekkoek, chairman of Vion’s supervisory board, acknowledged Lotgerink’s contribution, stating that his leadership was instrumental in the company’s shift toward becoming more chain-driven.

Headquartered in Boxtel, Vion has been reducing its presence in Germany to concentrate on its operations in the Benelux region. 

Recently, German meat producer Tönnies reached an agreement to acquire a significant portion of Vion’s beef business in Germany. 

The sale includes sites in Buchloe, Crailsheim, and Waldkraiburg, as well as a deboning facility in Hilden and two hide-processing units in Memmingen and Eching-Weixerau.

Earlier, Vion sold its share in two sites to Erzeugergemeinschaft Südbayern, another meat industry player. 

Additionally, the company closed one of its German locations in January and sold three more in a separate transaction.

In the Netherlands, Vion revealed that around 165 jobs would be impacted as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations.

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