Laroy Group has announced key changes to its central management team, with Thomas Van Nielandt taking over as CEO from Els Laroy, who will remain involved as executive chairman of the board of directors. The company said this change reflects Laroy Group's strategy to strengthen leadership and continue its growth trajectory in the pet sector.
Van Nielandt, who joined Laroy Group as sales drector last year, brings 15 years of industry experience, including senior roles at Beaphar, a Dutch pet products company. “We are delighted to work with Thomas, in this new role, to continue building the future of Laroy Group with our integrated management team,” said outgoing CEO Els Laroy. “Together with the executive board, we have carefully prepared this step and are confident that under his leadership we will take new steps to further strengthen our position in the market.”
The new six-member management team, led by Van Nielandt, includes CFO Peter Moyaert, director of purchase & marketing Holger Passia, food manager Bob Smitz, and logistics manager Philippe Henderick. Van Nielandt expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to leading this fantastic family business. This is a dynamic time full of opportunities, and I cannot wait to work with the strengthened management team and board to realize our shared vision and create sustainable value for our customers, partners, employees, and shareholders.”
Els Laroy emphasized the importance of the new structure, adding, “We are convinced that with this new management structure, we will give all departments of our company a voice in management and thus have all the levers in our hands to write a sustainable success story together.”
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Laroy Group is a Belgian manufacturer and distributor of pet foods and pet care accessories. Sales teams in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France market more than 10,000 products to more than 60 countries around the world. The company offers its own food and pet care products under the brand name Duvo+. Under the brand Witte Molen, Laroy Group manufactures food for birds and mammals. The company also produces egg food for birds under the brand CéDé, and still more brands through subsidiary Europet Bernina. It is also the sole distributor of Iams and Eukanuba pet foods in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Adapted from a press release.
