Agri Kultuur September / September 2015 | Page 54

Adéle Ackermann F ollowing the resignation of Gerald Müller, Capespan has announced and implemented a management structure to facilitate a seamless hand over, continuation and growth of the business of Capespan Continent. Gerald Müller will be consulting on special projects for an on-going period. Martin Hagelberg, based in Hamburg, will hold the position of Sales Director: Europe with the Unit Managers of the respective sales offices located in Antwerp, Paris, Vienna Switzerland and the sales team in Hamburg as direct reports. Andres Ramirez, will hold the position of Import and Operations Director Europe and will work in close collaboration with Global Procurement based in Beaconsfield, UK. The Benelux sales staff in Antwerp will report directly to Andres. The combined skills and expertise of Martin and Andres complement the customer centric business philosophy. The rest of the management team includes Iggie Oberholster as Finance & Admin Director, Cindy De Bleu as Human Resources Manager and Tom Quets as Chief Information Officer, who will all be based in the Antwerp office. Capespan Fruit CEO, Leon van Biljon emphasised that Europe remains Capespan's largest market and is of critical importance for the Group and he will therefore stay intensively involved. "The Group remains focussed on continuing to grow the European market and the recent investment in vanWylick Fruchtimport enhances our ability to service new customers in Germany and neighbouring countries. The focus remains on both ends of the value chain with a dedicated approach to create value for all. The new management structure under the joint leadership of Martin and Andres will drive and expand our operations in Europe." Cape grapes being packed on the farm Noriseep in the Northern Cape