Belgium-based dairy cooperative Milcobel has named Erik De Cock as interim chief executive to replace Peter Koopmans, who stepped down late last year by mutual agreement.

De Cock will take up the role on Friday (24 January), according to a statement from Milcobel, which did not provide specific information on the career background for the incoming CEO apart from saying he has “rich business experience”, starting in finance and then in “senior positions” covering business transformations, strategic, commercial and “financial improvement projects”.  

The co-op manufactures brands such as Bruges cheese and Inza milk, and also provides private label to supermarkets and ingredients to food producers. When Koopmans’ departure was announced in December, Milcobel said its “milk price position did not deliver what we expected compared to the environment”.

It has eight facilities spread across Belgium, France and the Netherlands, with customers in more than 100 countries, the co-op said. As well as milk and cheese, its portfolio consists of butter, cream, milk beverages, ice cream and whey.  

“Erik also has a valuable and extensive experience in the dairy sector and the functioning of cooperative structures,” the co-op added.

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