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FrieslandCampina has unveiled a series of leadership changes and governance appointments designed to ensure continuity and stability as the dairy cooperative navigates challenging market conditions and advances its integration strategy.
During the Members’ Council meeting of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina on 16 June, dhair Sybren Attema announced that he will step down from his roles as chair of both the Cooperative Board and the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina on 15 December 2026. He will be succeeded by Nils den Besten, a dairy farmer from Giessenburg and current member of both boards.
The transition marks the end of Attema’s five-year tenure, during which FrieslandCampina steered through a period of significant industry and market challenges. The company highlighted his role in bringing stability to the organisation and overseeing the successful merger with Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel, a move that expanded scale and strengthened the group's competitive position.
Attema said, “Looking back on the past few years, I am proud of what we have achieved together – especially during a challenging period: greater calm, stability and strength. With the merger with Milcobel and the steps we have taken, FrieslandCampina is now in a strong position.”
Den Besten said: “I strongly believe in the strength of our cooperative and company: together, we ensure a leading milk price and stable long-term value. As chair, I want to combine direction and pace with transparency, so that members, cooperative and company can continue to build a future-proof FrieslandCampina together.”
The Supervisory Board also announced that chief executive officer Jan Derck van Karnebeek will be reappointed for a second four-year term beginning 1 June 2027.
According to Attema, the early confirmation reflects the board’s confidence in the CEO’s leadership and the progress made under the current executive team.
Attema said: “A great deal is happening in the world. That is precisely why we believe it is important to provide clarity about the leadership of FrieslandCampina in good time.”
The board credited Van Karnebeek and the executive board with helping drive improved financial performance in recent years while maintaining a clear strategic direction for the business.
As part of the governance changes, Sandra Stuijk-Pelkmans, a dairy farmer from Alphen, will become vice-chair of the Cooperative Board from 15 December 2026, succeeding Den Besten in that role.
FrieslandCampina cited her financial and banking expertise, collaborative leadership style and governance experience as key strengths that will support continuity within the cooperative. Baptiest Coopmans will remain vice-chair of the Supervisory Board.
The Members’ Council also approved the reappointment of Herman Bakhuis and Stuijk-Pelkmans to second terms on the Cooperative Board, effective from the same date.
Alongside the governance announcements, FrieslandCampina provided an update on business performance during the first half of 2026.
Chief financial officer Hans Janssen reported that earnings are facing pressure from low base dairy prices and substantially higher milk volumes, which have compressed margins across parts of the business.
Despite these headwinds, the company said it continues to gain market share and is delivering strong performance in protein markets. Integration activities following the Milcobel merger and the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein are progressing according to plan.
Janssen said FrieslandCampina remains focused on profitable growth, margin improvement and cost discipline throughout 2026.
The cooperative stated that the latest appointments and reappointments form part of a carefully managed governance process aimed at safeguarding long-term continuity, stability and effective leadership as FrieslandCampina continues to strengthen its position in global dairy markets.