After a career of more than 30 years with Vandemoortele, Bart Bruyneel, Managing Director Plant-Based Food Solutions (PBFS), will retire on April 1, 2026. He oversaw Vandemoortele’s Lipids business transformation into a Plant-Based Food Solutions unit. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its position in Europe. “We are deeply grateful to Bart for his vision, dedication, and outstanding contribution to the growth of Vandemoortele,” the company wrote in an announcement.

Helena Vanhoutte will succeed him as the Managing Director of Plant-Based Food Solutions (PBFS). Her tenure begins on January 1, 2026. She previously served as Commercial Director PBFS, Chief Technology Officer for both PBFS and Bakery Products, and most recently as General Manager Bakery Products (BP) France.

As Vanhoutte steps into her new role, Filip Goethals, currently General Manager BP Europe, will take over as General Manager BP France starting January 1, 2026.

Yvon Guérin, CEO of Vandemoortele, commented on the management changes: “These changes reflect our commitment to developing internal talent and ensuring strong leadership continuity across our organization. We thank Bart once again for his outstanding contributions and wish Helena success in her new role.”

Photo: Vandemoortele