Vanessa Huylebroeck to lead Royal Agrifirm Feed Belgium

BELGIUM – Royal Agrifirm Group, a leading European agribusiness, has appointed Vanessa Huylebroeck as Managing Director of Agrifirm Feed Belgium, effective April 13, as the company strengthens leadership amid ongoing pressure in the European feed sector.

Huylebroeck succeeds Tom Timmerman, who stepped down earlier this year, and will lead operations in a market facing rising input costs, regulatory pressure and shifting livestock production dynamics.

She brings more than 20 years of executive experience across agribusiness and animal health, with a track record in commercial strategy, operational leadership and managing complex organisations.

“With this appointment, we welcome a leader with a strong track record in commercial sharpness and operational excellence. Together with the Belgian Feed team, Vanessa will work towards a stable and future-proof organisation,” said Piet Hilarides, CEO of Agrifirm.

Huylebroeck has built her career across feed, agriculture, and supply chain-focused roles, where she has strengthened value chains, improved market positioning, and driven business growth.

“I am very much looking forward to getting started at Agrifirm. I strongly believe in achieving results together. By creating clarity and strengthening collaboration, with attention for employees, customers and traders,” she said.

Her appointment comes at a time when European feed manufacturers are navigating volatile raw material prices, sustainability requirements and tighter margins across livestock sectors.

Feed producers are increasingly focused on improving feed efficiency, optimising formulations and supporting farmers facing rising production costs.

Her leadership is expected to focus on improving feed efficiency, advancing product innovation and strengthening relationships with livestock producers. 

These priorities align with broader industry needs, as feed companies increasingly invest in precision nutrition, sustainability and traceability to remain competitive.

These areas are becoming increasingly critical as the industry moves toward more data-driven, performance-based nutrition systems.

Agrifirm expands leadership footprint in Asia

The leadership change in Belgium comes alongside broader organisational updates at Agrifirm, including the appointment of Kenneth Yeo as Managing Director for Southeast Asia, effective April 1.

“Over 25 years of regional leadership experience, Kenneth will lead and further expand our presence in Southeast Asia, strengthening our market position and accelerating sustainable growth. We wish Kenneth every success in his new role,” said Piet Hilarides, CEO of Royal Agrifirm.

Yeo’s appointment reflects Agrifirm’s continued focus on growth in Asia, a region where demand for animal protein and compound feed is expanding rapidly.

The company has been strengthening its presence in international markets while continuing to optimise its European operations, balancing mature market pressures with growth opportunities in emerging regions.

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