- After a successful 2021, the company brings on board industry titans to support expansion and product launch
- Hans Huistra joins as COO, alongside Jef Pinxteren as VP Development and new Chairman of the board, Cees de Jong
Meatable has announced today the appointment of a number of industry leaders to key management roles. This follows a successful Series A funding round in March 2021 which raised $47M. These new appointments will help accelerate its product development and put it in pole position for bringing its revolutionary product to market. Each of these new appointments speaks to Meatable’s ambition to be a leader in its field and each brings a wealth and diversity of experience.
Former Fonterra Europe & Africa president Hans Huistra has been appointed as Meatable’s COO. Huistra started his career at Unilever at a meat processing plant for the Unox brand. Hans has over 30 years of international leadership experience in the FMCG and food industry within Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the U.S. In his new role, Huistra will focus on preparing the organization for its commercial launch. Hans Huistra: “I’m thrilled to be joining Meatable, a company that is truly at the forefront of food tech innovation. The company, and its groundbreaking product, is poised to have a long-term impact on the environment and sustainable development and I am looking forward to helping bring this revolutionary food innovation product to the world.”
Jef Pinxteren joins Meatable as VP Development. With over 25 years of experience as a biochemist across academia and industry, Pinxteren is perfectly placed to manage the development of the company’s product portfolio, including Meatable’s pork sausage and its beef product, as well as the first tastings of the products. Jef Pinxteren: “Switching from pharma to biotech and food is a natural progression for me, as there is a lot of synergy between them and they both offer opportunities to be part of life-changing technological advancements.”
Meatable has also appointed a new Chairman of the Board, former Chr. Hansen President and CEO Cees de Jong. With an illustrious track record that includes his role as COO of Crucell and as senior executive in global food and pharma organisations, he is uniquely positioned to guide Meatable forward. He will be working closely with CEO and co-founder Krijn de Nood and Meatable’s management team. Cees de Jong: “We are all aware that the current way of producing protein is unsustainable. Meatable is at an exciting inflection point in its journey to change the way we eat. I’m proud to be joining this world-class team that has the talent, drive and technology to make a lasting, impactful contribution to building a sustainable future for the planet.”
Krijn de Nood, CEO and co-founder of Meatable: “These exciting hires are the ultimate vote of confidence in our mission and I look forward to working with them to bring our vision to life.”
Meatable is paving the way for a new approach to meat. Its innovative technology will revolutionize how cultivated meat is created in what is predicted to become a $25 billion industry by 2030. Current regulation in the US and Europe means cultivated meat cannot be sold yet to consumers, however both regulators have taken steps in recent months to pave the way forward to approving this new food type. Huistra, Pinxteren and de Jong will be integral in supporting and advising Meatable as it develops its first product ahead of regulatory change as the market opens up to new audiences.
