Our people
OUR PEOPLE
One Team, One Goal.
At Barentz, our unique team spirit is derived from our shared passion for knowledge of the challenges that our customers face and finding solutions for them. We can achieve this optimally when every single member of our team feels respected, included, and heard – when all our staff can be themselves and give their all to their work every day.
Executive Leadership Team
Derk Jan Terhorst
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Barentz Group
Derk Jan Terhost became CEO in January 2025, bringing a wealth of experience, having served as Group CFO at Barentz for more than three years. His exceptional leadership and strategic vision are key to shaping Barentz's strategy and driving important initiatives for sustainable growth. Prior to joining Barentz, Derk Jan held senior leadership roles at Ahold Delhaize and Tony’s Chocolonely, gaining expertise in international financial management, across Europe and the USA.
Esther Veninga
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Barentz Group
Esther brings broad international experience in corporate finance and operational leadership. Before joining Barentz, she served as CFO at Albert Heijn and held senior finance roles across Ahold Delhaize, including in Serbia, the U.S., and the Czech Republic. Her expertise spans business planning, investor relations, and strategic programme management.
Christian Barker
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Barentz Group & Global Head of Human Nutrition Division
Christian brings over 25 years of global leadership experience in industrial biotechnology, consumer health, specialty ingredients, and agriculture. Before joining Barentz, he was Executive Vice President at a global biosolutions company, where he scaled the health & nutrition business fivefold. He also spent 15 years at a top management consultancy, including eight years as partner in New York, advising leaders in consumer, food, life sciences, and private equity.
Valérie Lepoultel
Global Vice President Personal and Home Care
Valérie has 30 years of experience in life sciences industry, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and personal care, with a strong track record in international B2B sales and marketing. She holds an MBA in Marketing, a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and postgraduate diploma in Organic Chemistry in France. Valérie joined Barentz in 2022 through the acquisition of Unipex, where she was Personal Care business unit manager since 2018.
Anthony Litchfield
Global Head of Pharmaceutical Division
Anthony joined Barentz in 2011, when Barentz acquired Forum Products Ltd., where he was a board member and shareholder. With a degree in Applied Chemistry, he has spent most of his career in sales, product management and senior management roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
Rocky Prior
President Performance Materials & Chief Commercial Officer NACA
Rocky brings extensive leadership experience in specialty chemical and ingredient distribution, with a strong background in both commercial and executive roles. He began his career as a chemist in the coatings industry and later founded a specialty paint company. Rocky is known for his strategic mindset, customer focus, and ability to drive growth through strong partnerships. He brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for building high-performing teams.
Marc Duchene
Regional CEO Asia Pacific
Marc began his career in the ingredients distribution industry in 2000, joining Barentz in 2008 through the acquisition of Vitablend, where he was Managing Director for Asia-Pacific. He holds a master’s degree in Biology and a postgraduate diploma in Sales and Marketing, along with an Executive MBA. Marc has held multiple leadership positions across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and led Barentz’s expansion from the ground up, establishing a fully operational distribution platform across South-East Asia, China, and Oceania.
Gustavo Levy Dosualdo
Regional CEO South America
Gustavo joined Barentz as Regional CEO for South America, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in the specialty ingredients sector. He previously served as Director at MCassab, where he drove growth and innovation across multiple divisions, including human nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and performance chemicals. Gustavo holds advanced degrees in business administration and food technology and brings industrial expertise to lead Barentz’s strategic initiatives in the region.
Bill Magee
President NACA
William (Bill) Magee brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience in the specialty ingredients industry. As Regional CEO and President for North & Central America, he joins Barentz from Tate & Lyle, where he served as Regional President and General Manager – Americas, driving sustainable growth through customer focus, strategic execution, and mergers and acquisitions. Bill’s broad general management and commercial experience strengthens Barentz’s focus, agility, and impact across the region.
Sertaç Sürür
President EMEA
Sertaç brings more than 25 years of experience in the specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution industry, with a career spanning leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Most recently he served as CEO Asia Pacific for another global player in the specialty ingredients industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Istanbul Technical University in Türkiye and an MBA in International Business from National University in California, USA.
Kees Schepers
Global Head of Business Development
Kees is responsible for driving growth for Barentz through mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships along with regions and divisions. He also leads the Formulated Solutions business. He joined Barentz in 2000 and previously oversaw all business development activities for Barentz in Asian and American territories. He holds a master's degree in Chemical Engineering and has built an extensive career on his broad experience in Food and Nutrition industries at Barentz, Glanbia Nutritionals and Avebe.
Caroline van Nieuwkerk
Chief Human Resources Officer
Caroline van Nieuwkerk brings over 30 years of experience as an HR business leader in versatile, commercial global organisations. She has a strong track record in building and leading international HR teams, driving transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development programmes, and is known for creating clarity and direction through trust, collaboration, and sharp analysis.