Nov 19, 2021

Next generation to lead Koppert Biological Systems

Netherlands-based Koppert Biological Systems is under new management after more than 20 years, it was announced Nov. 18.

CEOs Paul Koppert and Henri Oosthoek, and CFO Robert Pathuis of the organic crop protection company will hand over the baton from Jan. 1, 2022. The day-to-day management of the family business is transferred to the five other board members.

René Koppert has been appointed CEO, Joram Oosthoek will become CFO, Martin Koppert will become chief business officer (CBO) for agriculture, René Ruiter will fulfill the same role as CBO for horticulture, and Peter Maes will become chief strategy officer (CSO).

“As the executive board, we are proud that we will be taking over the management. As a family business, we are focused on the long term and we think in generations. We will continue to build the future of this company together, to safeguard our core values ​​and above all to continue to work on our vision and thus continue to make a positive impact on the way our food is produced,” the René Koppert said in a news release.

Paul Koppert, Henri Oosthoek and Robert Pathhuis will step down from the day-to-day management but will continue to support the company in strategic matters and special projects. Together with former board member Peter Koppert and advisor John Budé, a supervisory board will be installed in the near future. This newly formed council will assist the management in the ambitions of the family business.

Koppert is the world market leader in biological crop protection. The company has branches in thirty countries and a turnover of approximately 300 million euros. Succession within the family business has been carefully prepared. In 2018, the board of directors was expanded to eight members in order to transfer responsibilities in a natural way and to safeguard the valuable experience, with continuity and customer interests being paramount.

Paul Koppert, Henri Oosthoek and Robert Pathuis look with gratitude at the many-sided developments that Koppert has undergone over the past half century: “We are extremely proud of our employees and our customers. Partly because of them, our company has developed in this way; from pioneer to now active in 100 countries. For more than fifty years, we have been researching, formulating and introducing biological solutions that have been handed to us from Creation.”

“The global need for more sustainable food production is increasing and calls for more organic and natural growing conditions that are at the same time more productive, safer and healthier. Together with our partners all over the world, we are bringing back the natural balance in agriculture and horticulture,” says Paul Koppert.

“What made Koppert great is our pioneering spirit, long-term vision and the perseverance of the people who believe in our mission to improve the health of people and the planet in partnership with nature. With the same dedication, we will continue to work towards our ultimate goal: a 100% sustainable agriculture and horticulture worldwide,” says Henri Oosthoek.