New Operational Director at HAK

Janneke van Renterghem (37) will begin her role as the new Chief Operations Officer at vegetable and legume manufacturer HAK on August 29, 2024. She will also join the Management Team. Over the past few years, she has gained extensive experience in leadership and management positions within the beverage industry. Van Renterghem succeeds Koos van Leeuwen, who is retiring after 47 years at HAK, including 11 years as COO.

Van Renterghem will be responsible for the production of vegetables, legumes, soups, sauces, and ready meals in glass jars and stand-up pouches. She will oversee the Production, Quality, Technical, and Internal Logistics departments.

HAK is focusing on protein transition, organic cultivation, and promoting vegetable consumption. Van Renterghem will work on further developing production, accelerating growth, driving innovation, and improving sustainability in the factory. She looks forward to the challenge: “HAK's mission—getting more vegetables and legumes onto people’s plates—starts in the factory. The people there are your ambassadors. You can feel the entrepreneurship and pride in the product at HAK. I’m eager to meet everyone and shape our direction together.”

Extensive experience in leadership and management roles

Van Renterghem started her career after earning a master’s in Biochemical Engineering from TU Delft at Heineken. She later worked at Vrumona as an operational team leader, where she was responsible for four packaging lines. She then spent nearly four and a half years as the head of Texelse Bierbrouwerij. At Refresco, she managed six factories in the Benelux region as Manufacturing Manager, where she focused on structural improvements and strategic issues.

HAK's CEO, Nicole Freid, is pleased with her arrival: “Janneke brings a lot of energy and innovative ideas. She knows how to empower people and understands what’s happening on the production floor. With her experience, we’re excited about our collaboration and HAK’s future.”

Farewell to Koos van Leeuwen

Koos van Leeuwen is retiring after 47 years. He started as a production worker and worked his way up to COO. A highlight of his career was the introduction of the stand-up pouch line in 2018. Freid: “Koos is an icon at HAK. He has always been dedicated to our products and the company. We will miss him greatly and are grateful for everything he has contributed.” Van Leeuwen will enjoy his retirement and spend more time with his family in Australia.

Source: HAK