International bakery ingredients manufacturer Zeelandia has appointed Michiel de Ruiter as chief executive as of 1 May 2015. 

He will succeed Roelof Krist, who will step down from the position on 1 April.

De Ruiter has held several general management positions at international companies for almost 16 years. He has worked for companies including McKinsey & Company and Royal Friesland Foods and was most recently managing director and co-owner of Hochdorf Nutricare, the baby food division of Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition.

He said: “Zeelandia is an international family-owned business, which appeals to me personally. I look forward to working with its dedicated employees, to reach new levels of innovation and to further the company’s growth. The rich company history, combined with their passion and knowledge, make Zeelandia well-positioned for future success.”

Krist served Zeelandia for more than 11 years, helping the company double its revenue and expand its global reach in that time.

He said: “I am proud of the current state of the Zeelandia Group. Contributing to Zeelandia’s growth was a challenge and an honour. The future of the group will be shaped by my successor, along with the two other members of the executive board.”

Krist is now to retire.