IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients has appointed Patricia Van Nielandt as sales manager for the Benelux region. Starting Sept. 16, Van Nielandt will join IQI's European sales team, covering the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Van Nielandt has more than 10 years of experience in pet food and pet health, and has a veterinary background. She most recently served as product manager and team leader for pet food at Virbac, where, according to IQI, she launched the first medicated pet food for cats. Her experience includes pet nutrition, product development and technical support.
"We're excited to welcome Patricia to the IQI team," said Elsebeth Soendergaard, sales director Europe at IQI. "With her background and her extensive experience in pet health and well-being, she is very well positioned to help our customers find the best ingredients. Patricia is a great fit for IQI. Leveraging innovative ingredients to develop the best and healthiest pet food together with our customers is what we are all about."
Van Nielandt said her work as a veterinarian shaped her approach to the new role.
"As a veterinarian, I saw firsthand how the right nutrition can have a profound impact on an animal's health and quality of life," she said. "That experience continues to shape my passion for helping customers make informed nutritional choices for pets.
"In recent years, I have expanded my expertise by managing product portfolios for both companion and large animals, leading marketing activities and strengthening the market position of products in competitive segments," Van Nielandt said. "This has given me a strong understanding of the day-to-day challenges our customers face. Animal well-being has always been at the heart of my work. Combining veterinary expertise with commercial experience enables me to support customers with practical, nutrition-focused solutions that create real value."
