Frank van Lierde joins Protealis’ Board of Directors

Protealis, a leading seeds and seed technologies developer for sustainable plant proteins, announced the appointment of Frank van Lierde as an independent member to its board of directors, effective July 1^st, 2024. Having extensive experience in the food and bio-industrial sectors, Frank van Lierde brings invaluable expertise to Protealis as the company expands its commercial footprint with innovative high yield, high protein soy varieties adopted to Northern Europe.

"We are thrilled to welcome Frank van Lierde to our board of directors," says David Buckeridge, Chairman of the Board of Protealis. "His distinguished career includes over three decades at the American food group Cargill, where he was elected member of the Cargill Global Executive Team in 2015 and held several global leadership positions, including President of Food Ingredients and Bio-industrials. With rapidly growing food trends in Europe that emphasize plant-based protein sources like soy and yellow peas, his profound expertise and strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding Protealis toward these new growth opportunities."

Benjamin Laga, Chief Executive Officer of Protealis, echoed this sentiment: "Mr. van Lierde’s track record of success and commitment to sustainable practices, such as working to make cacao and palm oil supply chains more sustainable, aligns perfectly with our mission at Protealis. Combined with our previously appointed independent board members Hartmut van Lengerich and David Buckeridge, this gives the company a tremendous wealth of expertise to tap into."

Frank van Lierde currently also holds board positions at the Dutch producer of insect-based protein Protix and at Ackermans & Van Haaren, a large diversified investment group listed on Euronext Brussels with over 6.5b euros of revenues in 2023.

After the appointment of board member Hartmut van Lengerich earlier this year, Frank van Lierde’s appointment marks another significant milestone for Protealis as the Company continues to strengthen its leadership team to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable seed solutions that empower European farmers.