Steffen Bersch takes helm as CEO of Big Dutchman AG

GERMANY – Big Dutchman AG, the globally renowned supplier of equipment and feeding systems for modern pig and poultry production, has appointed Steffen Bersch as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

With a wealth of experience in food production, agricultural engineering, and logistics, Bersch officially assumed his role on March 17, 2025.

The appointment marks a significant transition for the Germany-based company as interim CEO Bernd Meerpohl resumes his role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. 

Meerpohl temporarily stepped into the CEO position on October 1, 2024, following the departure of Dr. Frank Hiller, who left for personal reasons.

“We are delighted that we have been able to find an extremely competent candidate for this vacancy so quickly,” said Bernd Meerpohl. 

“With his professional expertise and down-to-earth personality, Steffen Bersch is an excellent fit for our family business. His international experience and familiarity with the region make him the perfect choice to lead Big Dutchman into the future.”

Bersch boasts extensive industry experience 

Bersch brings an impressive background to the role. A graduate engineer in food technology, he began his career at the GEA Group, one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food and beverage sectors, where he worked for nearly two decades. 

He held various leadership roles during this time, including a three-year tenure in the United Arab Emirates. In his final four years at GEA, he served on the Executive Board with a focus on agricultural engineering.

In 2020, Bersch was appointed CEO of SSI Schaefer Group, a global intralogistics company with 11,000 employees. His leadership in that role showcased his ability to drive growth and innovation within a family-owned business, aligning well with Big Dutchman’s corporate values and strategic vision.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new position, Bersch stated, “I look forward to leading Big Dutchman AG into its next phase of growth, working alongside our more than 3,100 employees worldwide. As a trained chef and food technologist, I deeply understand the importance of nutritious food and the vital role farmers play in its production. Our mission is to support them as an innovative and reliable partner.”

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