FDBusiness.com

DSM, the Netherlands-based life sciences and material sciences business, has appointed Ilona Haaijer as President and CEO of DSM Food Specialties, one of the group’s five global divisions. Ilona Haaijer will succeed Hans Christian Ambjerg, who is moving to the Nutritional Products division to lead innovation from 1st January 2015.

DSM Food Specialties is a leading global manufacturer of food enzymes, cultures, savoury ingredients and other specialties for the food and beverage industries.

Ilona Haaijer.

Ilona Haaijer, a Dutch national, joined DSM in 2010, leading and successfully transforming the DSM Personal Care business unit. Ilona Haaijer is a seasoned senior executive, experienced in leading complex, global businesses in the B2C as well as B2B sectors. After beginning her international career in mobile telecommunications, she joined the Boston Consulting Group in a fast-track career, moving on to lead the integration of the Philips Avent Business which she acquired for Royal Philips Electronics. She has lived and worked in the US, Australia, Singapore, the UK and Switzerland.

Ilona Haaijer comments: “I’m very much looking forward to starting at DSM Food Specialties. There are great opportunities for our business globally, adding distinctive value to our customers and helping the food and beverage industry deliver on sustainable, healthy, affordable and great tasting products. I am pleased to be contributing to DSM Food Specialties as an increasingly powerful force in the industry moving forward.”