Royal DSM has announced the appointment of Patrick Niels, new President of DSM Food Specialties as of 1 August 2017.

Niels, a Dutch national, has held leadership roles across a number of regions and businesses for DSM, most recently as President DSM Resins & Functional Materials, wher he has led the transformation of the Business Group into a high-performing, fast-growing business with very high employee engagement.

Niels began his career at Gist-Brocades in 1991 and held several Marketing & Sales roles as well as Business Management roles before the company was acquired by DSM in 1997. He went on to build his career in increasingly senior roles within DSM, including leading DSM Coating Resins, DSM Desotech and latest DSM Resins & Functional Materials.

Niels succeeds Ilona Haaijer, who has decided to continue her career outside DSM. Helen Mets will succeed Patrick as President DSM Resins & Functional Materials.

Commenting on his appointment, Niels told journalist: “Specialty food ingredients play an incredibly important part in how people’s favorite foods and beverages are produced, distributed, presented and enjoyed the world over. In view of the megatrends of our time - population growth, urbanization, health and wellness considerations, and climate and resource constraints - I see this role only growing in significance. I’m looking forward immensely to helping DSM Food Specialties and its customers and partners grow their businesses and their positive impact as we continue to enable better food for everyone.”