Introducing Gert Poort: Chief Operating Officer, Americas
November 2022
The Chaucer Foods team is pleased to announce the appointment of Gert Poort as Chief Operating Officer, Americas.
Gert brings with him over 20 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in the food and beverage industry. We’re excited to see how his leadership will positively shape the future of Chaucer Foods.
We recently spoke with Gert to learn more about his past accomplishments, his experiences in the food and beverage industry and looking ahead to what’s next.
Q: What is your professional background and career highlights prior to joining Chaucer Foods team?
A: I have 20 years of Food & Beverages industry expertise, specialized in strategy, change, innovation, and leading teams. I have been responsible for markets and teams in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, APAC, and Europe. One of my highlights was to acquire and integrate two US companies at the same time, into the company I was heading in the United States. Consequently, I was asked to move from the Netherlands to the US six years ago. The acquisition and integration process were well prepared, but still an extraordinary roller-coaster. I am proud that in the end there was one team, with great spirit and results.
Q: What are your areas of expertise and what strengths will help you excel in this role?
A: I like to work with people that care about what they do, and to develop talents of people. Having some degrees and experience in intercultural and global leadership, I enjoy learning and connecting different people across continents. My goal is always to create inclusive, confident teams to be successful with our customers.
Q: Within the food and beverage industry, what trends/innovations are you most interested in? Why?
A: I like to follow new developments in food and drinks, try it, and see if it is a short-term hype or a new thing to stay. Being a so-called Generation X person myself, it’s important to understand and be aware of new trends that Gen-Z and Alpha are interested in. At the same time, older generations are changing too, reaching higher ages and having needs for functional foods. It is inspiring to know that Chaucer’s ambition is to develop more trending foods, from babies to elderly people.
Q: What’s the number one challenge or pain point you hope you can help Chaucer Foods’ customers address or solve in their day-to-day operations? Why?
A: What I heard in my first 6 weeks in the company is that we could act faster. The integration of our separate units in the Americas into one organization will result in an even stronger team to successfully understand and fulfill customer demands and new opportunities in the market.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: My wife Nicole, and our kids Anne Sophie (10) and Julius (7), moved from Europe (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) to the United States in 2018 and we like it a lot. We enjoy discovering and learning more about the country and the people each day. I personally get a lot of energy by going out for an early morning run wherever I go. It’s a great way to explore the environment, culture and finding the best coffee place in town.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about joining Chaucer Foods?
A: Having the privilege to visit all our facilities and meet people of our global team in Los Angeles, Forest Grove, China, UK, France, and Japan. Collaborating and creating commercial success with all the fantastic people in the EMEA, APAC and the Americas is what I enjoy every day!
Are you similar to Gert, seeking a career that offers hands-on experience, the ability to own your projects, and the opportunity to create an impact, all within a supportive and enjoyable work environment? Check out our careers page to learn more about current and future opportunities at Chaucer Foods.
Looking to innovate a healthy, convenient food or beverage product that consumers will love? Contact us to connect with our team.
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