Dick Hordijk to lead Topigs Norsvin as new CEO

NETHERLANDS – Topigs Norsvin, a leading global pig genetics company, has announced Dick Hordijk as its new CEO, effective March 31, 2025. 

Hordijk, currently the CEO of Royal Agrifirm Group, will step down from his position at Agrifirm by January 1, 2025, concluding eight years of leadership. 

He will join the Topigs Norsvin board alongside Chief Financial Officer Pieter van Sundert and Chief Technology Officer Hans Olijslagers.

Hordijk’s tenure at Royal Agrifirm Group began in June 2016, during which he led the organisation through two strategic planning phases. 

His experience and expertise in agricultural business management, coupled with his previous international roles at Cargill, have positioned him as a natural fit for Topigs Norsvin. 

Hordijk expressed excitement about continuing to work within a farmer-owned organisation, contributing to the growth of one of the most innovative pig genetic companies globally.

Mark Tijssen, chairman of the Topigs Norsvin supervisory board, welcomed Hordijk’s appointment, noting that his broad agricultural expertise and international experience would enhance the company’s sustainability initiatives. 

Piet Hilarides to succeed Hordijk as Royal Agrifirm CEO

Meanwhile, Royal Agrifirm Group has named Piet Hilarides as Hordijk’s successor, effective December 1, 2024. Hilarides brings over 20 years of leadership experience in agriculture and the food industry, working in cooperative and non-cooperative environments. 

His previous roles include key positions at FrieslandCampina, where he oversaw various business groups and later served as APAC president for Perfetti Van Melle, managing the company’s Asian operations. Most recently, Hilarides was CEO of Baladna, a dairy company based in Qatar.

Agrifirm praised Hilarides for his cooperative experience, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the company through the next phase of its strategic plan.

Together with CFO Stefan Bulthuis and the leadership team, Hilarides aims to build a responsible food chain for future generations, putting farmers and sustainability at the forefront of Agrifirm’s mission.

Both Agrifirm and Topigs Norsvin are set for a dynamic future under the leadership of these experienced executives. 

Hordijk’s move to Topigs Norsvin highlights a shared vision of innovation and sustainability within agriculture, while Hilarides’ appointment promises continuity and growth for Agrifirm.

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