Nijmegen, the Netherlands - 28 June 2019

The Royal Barenbrug Group, a world leader in grass technology, today announces key changes to its board structure. Effective 1 July, the owners of the company, Bastiaan and Frank Barenbrug, will move from the Board of Directors to the non-executive Supervisory Board, and John Thijssen will become the new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

John Thijssen has over 24 years’ experience within Barenbrug across several roles and countries. Specifically, he was previously General Manager of Barenbrug Holland, and CEO of Barenbrug USA. In 2013, John Thijssen joined the Board of Directors with responsibility for Europe, North America and China.

"I am honored that the Barenbrug family has trusted me to take on the role of Chairman of the Board. Building on our strong history, we'll develop and market a range of new products and services in line with the demands of our customers around the world."

Two new Board members, Martin Bijl and André Brand, have been recruited and will join the Board as of 1 September. Together with John Thijssen and René van Raan, they will form the new Board of Directors.
 
Bastiaan Barenbrug, outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors: “It’s been my pleasure and privilege to lead this fantastic company for the past 12 years. My brother Frank and I have decided to change roles and take positions on the Supervisory Board, overseeing the long-term strategy and continuity of the company. We’re supremely confident that John Thijssen is the right person to lead our family business to further success in the years ahead.”
 
John Thijssen, incoming Chairman of the Board of Directors: “I’m honored that the Barenbrug family has trusted me to take on the role of Chairman of the Board. Building on our strong history, we’ll develop and market a range of new products and services in line with the demands of our customers around the world. Our pipeline has never been fuller of promising innovations, and I look forward to leading our company in this next exciting chapter."