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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

With more than 30 years of specialty ingredient distribution experience, Mike joined Barentz in December 2020 with the acquisition of Maroon Group.  He has held various leadership and commercial roles with the company since 2004 as the business was scaled and diversified through aggressive organic growth and M&A strategy.  Mike has extensive experience in the Performance Materials, Human Nutrition, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, and Animal Nutrition sectors, completing and integrating more than 20 acquisitions and executing our differentiated value proposition.  Mike has been the executive sponsor of our ESG program for the last several years. 

Lars joined Barentz in October 2024, bringing over 21 years of experience in the ingredient and chemical distribution industry. Prior to joining Barentz, he held several key roles at major global player in the chemical industry, including President, Specialties Americas and Global President, Material Science and Specialties North America, where his leadership responsibilities covered Germany, Italy, Canada, and the Americas. Lars holds a degree in Economics (BSc) and Business Administration (MBA).

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.