Gert-Jaap Dekker
International sales
- 2021
- Sales
What is your background?
I grew up in animal feed manufacturing. My parents ran small factory with a modern layout in Sint Maartensbrug in the province of North Holland. Since the factory was not automated, we used to perform many tasks manually. As a result, I was able to learn the miller trade in practice and experience the daily logistical challenges. During my studies at the Agricultural University of Friesland, I got to know the international world and decided to specialise in industrial marketing and sales. My internships in Portugal and Ireland and my graduation project in Hungary encouraged me to focus on the development of the agricultural industry abroad.
You will be responsible for international sales. Have you always had an affinity with foreign countries?
In the 90s, I lived in Poland for two years for my work, with my family. Later on, I started my own agency/import business for various Western European companies there. From my agency, I started working full-time for Welgro and was able to contribute to building structural export markets in Central Europe and Germany, as well as the UK and Ireland. Over the past five years, I helped build an export market at Van Mourik for specialised process solutions and machines in the animal feed and pet food industry.
What will you contribute to the IVS team?
I feel very much at home in the animal feed and pet food industry. In combination with my international experience and network, I think I can make a valuable addition to the team. My ambition is to inspire customers and to introduce them to IVS's sustainable and innovative solutions.