Per Harkjaer has been appointed group chief executive of Drie Mollen Group, a European coffee business.
Per Harkjaer has been appointed group chief executive of Drie Mollen Group, a European coffee business.
Acquired by European mid-market private equity firm Capvest in January 2008, Dutch based Drie Mollen Group produces and distributes a wide range of coffee, tea, coffee equipment and related services to the retail and out-of-home channels.
Harkjaer (pictured) has almost 30 years experience in the food industry, most recently as group chief executive of Findus Group (formerly Foodvest Group), one of the largest frozen and chilled food businesses in Europe. He was instrumental in the merger of Young’s Seafood in the UK and the Findus business on the Continent, which created the group, previously a CapVest portfolio company. Foodvest Group was sold to Lion Capital in September 2008.
Prior to joining Foodvest Group five years ago, Harkjaer held senior management positions internationally at Mars, Uniq, and Toms Confectionary Group.
Christopher Campbell, supervisory board chairman of Drie Mollen and partner at Capvest, says: ‘We are delighted to have someone of Per’s experience and track record to take over as chief executive officer of Drie Mollen Group. Having worked closely and successfully with Per in the past, I know he will bring tremendous energy and focus to the business, which is in a very strong position with capital available for expansion. The board looks forward to working with Per as we continue to grow the business both organically and through acquisitions."
Harkjaer says: ‘I am delighted to be taking over the chief executive officer role at Drie Mollen Group at what is a very exciting time for the business. I look forward to working with the existing management team, staff and with CapVest as we consolidate Drie Mollen Group’s leading market position across Europe, build on the company’s successes to date and position the business for the future.’
