Royal FloraHolland finalizes management team with two new appointments

Martin de Ruiter and Thomas Bugel will join the management team of Royal FloraHolland as of 1 January 2025. As Chief Buyer Partnership Development & International (BPD&I), Martin will focus on creating joint growth in close partnership with buyers on our platform. Thomas' portfolio focuses on value creation for growers in his role as Chief Grower Value Management (GVM).

Martin de Ruiter (1974) joined RFH in 2000 where he worked on the introduction of the Aalsmeer Shuttle and has since held many positions at the intersection of commercial and digital activities. He currently works as commercial manager of Floriday.

Thomas Bugel (1986) has been working for Royal FloraHolland since 2018. He previously worked in logistics and IT, and in recent years he has worked from the commerce team as manager of the hub in Eelde. In this position, he is responsible for the entire hub.

Thomas Bugel (left) and Martin de Ruiter (right)

Steven van Schilfgaarde: 'With Martin and Thomas we are strengthening the MT from within and I am proud of that. Both are very familiar with the world of growers and buyers and know the organization well."

Management team
These appointments complete the management team of Royal FloraHolland. It consists of Steven van Schilfgaarde (CEO), David van Mechelen (CFO), Pieter Bootsma (CVO), Leendert-Jan Plaisier (Logistics), André van der Linden (Digital Platform & IT), Martin de Ruiter (BPD & International), Thomas Bugel (GVM) and Anita Bonder (Human Resources).

The position of Chief Grower Officer will be discontinued in the new structure. Claudia Hölzel will leave the organization on 1 January 2025. Steven van Schilfgaarde: "Claudia has played an important role over the past few years in strengthening the relationship with growers, both as members and as customers. She and her team have also been committed to the certification scheme, with a particular focus on the position of small growers. She has done this with commitment and conviction and we are grateful for what she has achieved. I thank her for the great dedication and heart she has always shown for the sector. I wish her every success for the future."