The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Refresco has announced that CEO Hans Roelofs will retire on 1 August, 2025, after 18 years leading the global beverage solutions company.

Roelofs joined Refresco in 2007 and oversaw major expansion. The company now operates 75 manufacturing sites in 13 countries and employs over 14,000 people. During his tenure, Refresco grew from a regional player to a global leader in beverage solutions.

Refresco's supervisory board has launched a succession process and expects to announce a new CEO in due course. Roelofs will remain in his role until his retirement to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

James Cunningham, chairman of Refresco's supervisory board, stated: "I would like to thank Hans for his tremendous career at Refresco and the role he played in driving the company’s success for nearly two decades".

"Hans’s passion for and commitment to Refresco is admirable, and he was instrumental to the company’s ascent to a global leadership position. We are grateful for his leadership in positioning Refresco for continued success in the years to come as we continue to expand the company’s footprint and execute on our proven strategy to grow alongside our strong and diversified customer base.”

Roelofs commented: “It has been a true privilege and honoUr to lead Refresco since 2007. Together with our passionate and highly professional team, we have grown the business from a small regional player into the global leader in beverage solutions that we are today".

"With its blue-chip customer base, Refresco is now stronger and more resilient than ever, and I am proud of what we have achieved. This is the right time for me to step back, confident that the company will continue to grow and thrive on its unique entrepreneurial spirit and the agility of its people.”

Frédéric Stévenin, Refresco's supervisory board member, added: “I would like to thank Hans for his outstanding, dedicated service to Refresco and its stakeholders since he joined the company in 2007. Under his leadership, Refresco went through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. We look forward to celebrating Hans’s many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears.”