Dümmen Orange announces new CEO, new owners

Netherlands-based breeding and propagation company Dümmen Orange has appointed Anthony Christiaanse as its new CEO, with the company also announcing that new owners will take over the company from majority shareholder BC Partners.

The company’s funding partners have agreed to a consensual restructuring, under which a consortium of current lenders (ICG, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Neuberger Berman, Tresidor and Triton Debt Opportunities) will become the new owners of the business.

Funds advised by BC Partners, the majority shareholder since 2015, will continue to be a minority investor. As part of the deal, the new owners will provide additional financing to deliver a de-levered and sustainable balance sheet. A substantial injection of new capital will provide a solid financial platform for achieving Dümmen Orange's ambitious objectives in the coming years.

Christiaanse succeeds Hugo Noordhoek Hegt, who had led Dümmen Orange since 2019. Noordhoek Hegt will remain closely involved with the company as a member of the supervisory board.

Christiaanse joined Dümmen Orange as a member of the executive committee in January 2024. Before that, he worked in senior roles for leading international companies such as Unilever, Chiquita, Aviko and Vion. His career in the food and agricultural industry spans more than 30 years.

Additionally, Carola de Bie has been promoted to chief financial officer after serving as Dümmen Orange head of group control. After five years as CFO, Arjan Kaaks is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

“I would like to thank Hugo for steering Dümmen Orange through turbulent times, including COVID and the energy crisis in 2022,” Christiaanse said. “He leaves a company that is much more focused than it was a few years ago. I would also like to extend my thanks to Arjan, who has been instrumental in building the foundation of the global Dümmen Orange organization and has contributed significantly to improving the company’s support functions.”

The news comes after Dümmen Orange announced several changes in recent weeks, including selling its anthurium production in the Netherlands; selling its global orchids business; discontinuing its exclusive licensing agreement for North America with HilverdaFlorist for potted dianthus; and discontinuing its licensing agreement with Westhoff for the production of unrooted cuttings of Westhoff breeding products.

The changes are part of Dümmen Orange's strategic realignment, with the company saying it's committed to streamlining its operations and focusing on offerings in markets where it already has core competencies and strong positions.

(For a summary of those changes, click here.)

Dümmen Orange plants to implement a more focused strategy by further strengthening its leadership position in market segments where it already has core competencies and a high level of expertise. Christiaanse said he's enthusiastic about driving the company’s strategic agenda to maintain its position as a global leader in floriculture.

“I look forward to leading this wonderful, innovative company,” said Christiaanse. “Dümmen Orange remains committed to fostering strong partnerships within the industry and continuing to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring the best production of quality starter material from our farms. These pillars are central to our mission of delivering excellence to our customers and partners, helping them to grow their businesses.”