Paul Slits has started as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Looop as of 12 November. He is taking over the role from Dick Kroot, who has served as interim managing director for the past seven years.
As a major Looop shareholder, Paul Slits feels a strong bond with the company and the people involved in it. ‘I feel it is important to take more responsibility for our organisation, partners, customers and employees in my capacity as a shareholder,’ explains Slits. ‘It’s an honour to be able to take this step and build on the solid foundations that Dick has laid over the past few years.’ Dick Kroot will remain actively involved within the company and will focus on specific growth markets going forward.
Paul Slits became a co-shareholder in Looop in 2017, together with Frank Lavrijsen. Dick Kroot was appointed as managing director on an interim basis at that time. His appointment marked the start of a period during which he led the company through key growth phases, with a focus on developing Looop's vision and strategy. ‘Under Dick Kroot's leadership, our company has grown into an established name in the field of residual stream valorisation. We are obviously incredibly grateful to him for that,’ adds Slits.
Focus on strategic markets
Although Dick Kroot is handing over general responsibility, he will continue to play an important role within the company.
‘For the past seven years, I have been proud to lead this great company. This step is a natural progression in Looop's further development,’ says Kroot. From now on he will focus on strategic markets, including the pet food sector, which he believes offers many growth opportunities. ‘The need for sustainable ingredients in the pet food industry is growing rapidly and there are still many gains to be made in terms of sustainability.’ Dick Kroot has been actively involved in the development of Looop's own drying line, which converts potato waste streams into high-quality ingredients for pet food. ‘It’s a wonderful challenge to contribute further to a circular economy and Looop's growth ambition in my new role,’ says Kroot. He will also continue to support Paul in his new role as CEO.
Looop's mission remains unchanged: the company remains focused on a clean, 100% circular economy where there is no waste with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The new roles and collaboration between Paul Slits and Dick Kroot offer a powerful basis for achieving Looop's ambitious goals, both at the strategic level and in the valorisation of co-products.
