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”.  

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

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.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact