Douwe Zijp East-West Seed

Douwe Zijp

East-West Seed has announced that Bert van der Feltz will today (14 December) step down as president and CEO of East-West Seed, to be succeeded by Douwe Zijp – currently vice-chairman of the supervisory board of the company.

'Bert has dedicated 20 years to the company, of which five years as CEO and president of the board of management,' explained Ard Groot, chairman of the supervisory board. 'He played a strong role in the development of the company, like the founding of East-West Seed India in 2004, and I am grateful to Bert van der Feltz for his tireless efforts.”

Zijp has been a member of the supervisory board since 2016, having previously held roles as CEO of Nunhems and Incotec.

“As the world is changing in the face of today’s challenges, the essential role of seeds and agriculture in the food system has become ever so clear,' Groot added. 'With his broad managerial and seed experience, Douwe Zijp will lead the board of management team with Simon Jan de Hoop and Michel Devarrewaere, which will bring our fast-growing company to the next phase.”