About Us
The Food Strategy Institute is a young organization, operating in Western Europe from our Amsterdam office, in Canada from our Toronto office and in Latin America from our office in Cordoba, Argentina.
While our organization might be young, we only employ seasoned consultants with extensive management experience in the international food industry. The combination of deep knowledge of the food industry, management experience and strategic thinking capabilities is what makes us unique.
Here’s the overview of our team members:
Rob Kooijmans
CEO
Rob has a passion for strategy and leadership. In 2012, Rob left a successful corporate career to be able to help more companies than just the ones he would be employed at. Rob loves playing the piano and spends his free time with his family and in the garden. When you meet Rob in person, ask him what caused him to start his own company… you will be amazed to hear his story!
Kitty Appels
COO
Kitty has a strong ability to connect with people and understand organizations at a deeper level. Kitty brings a broad experience to the table as change manager and next to this she has a strong background in due dilligence around the globe. Kitty is passionate about her family and loves nice food with a good glass of wine. When you meet Kitty, you must ask her what is her favourite country and why – she has some great stories to share!
Luis Fissore
Director Latin America
Luis brings a wealth of experience to the table – he has worked over 30 years in an international environment. Luis is fluent in Spanish, Portuges, Italian and English and understands businesses in minutes. In the past Luis ran his own tangerine farm in Agentina, and he can tell you all about it. Luis enjoys the good things in life (tasty piece of meat with a good wine and friends) and is always there for his family.
Bart Schulte
Director Food & Beverage
Bart is a seasoned food industry executive in QA, Regulatory Affairs and R&D – with a wide experience in herbs, spices and other food ingredients. For a large part of his corporate career, Bart has been working internationally in and from France. Hence, his speaks French, Dutch and English fluently! When it comes to a good wine and fine foods, you are at the right place with Bart. Do ask Bart about his favourite wines when you have to opportunity to speak with him.
Andrew Sedgwick
Director Global Accounts
With over 35 years of farm-to-consumer experience in the food, dairy and beverage industries; Andrew has a history of developing business in new markets and geographies. In leading cross-functional teams from different disciplines he has driven strategic expansion and has created and successfully deployed business critical programs aligned to changing market needs. His leadership style fosters a climate of mutual trust, providing support over and above that expected. Andrew lives in Switzerland with his wife, has four children and a menagerie of pet animals. He is a passionate rugby fan, enjoys walking in the mountains, and is a connoisseur of Swiss cheeses.
Rajnish Chhabra
Director Pharma
Rajnish is a true pharmaceutical specialist – he has extensive experience in Quality and Regulatory Affairs in the global pharmaceutical industry. Rajnish is based in the Netherlands, but he travels extensively. He is fluent in English and Hindi and a little Dutch as well. When it comes to understanding pharmaceutical businesses , there is no other like Rajnish – he is up to speed in minutes. Rajnish is a proud father of two sons and he enjoys living in the one of the most beautiful, historical cities in the Netherlands. He would be a perfect tour guide if you were to visit him.
Mark Ingwersen
Director Medical Devices
Mark is a versatile and seasoned quality leader and has broad experience with many markets such as the Medical Device, Food Packaging, Automotive and Chemical Industries. He has managed Quality Leaders from all over the world with different backgrounds and cultures. Mark speaks Dutch and English and lives in the most beautiful part of the Netherlands, namely South of Limburg. He can therefore tell you all about beautiful hiking and MTB tours and the Burgundian lifestyle in this beautiful hilly landscape. Mark is the proud father of two children who both study in Eindhoven.
Sarah Finger
Management Assistant
Sarah Finger has amazing computer skills, she is the true backbone to the business and keeps an eye on every litte detail that matters to us and to all our clients. Next to being a great colleague and friend, Sarah is also a mother of two beautiful girls and ofcourse the perfect spouse. Sarah likes spending time with her family and she counts all the pets to that as well.
We are constantly looking for new additions to our team. Do you have more than 20 years of experience in the international food industry, consulting experience and do you have a passing in helping others to deliver strategic change that lasts – contact us, we would like to get to know you.