Dümmen Orange appoints new R&D operations director

WESTLAND, Netherlands: Dutch-based plant breeder and propagator Dümmen Orange has appointed Rik van Wijk as Research & Development operations director as part of its continued global investment in innovation.

Rik holds a PhD in Breeding & Genetics from Wageningen University and succeeds Kees Hertogh, who plans to retire after a successful 5-year tenure at Dümmen Orange, during which he led the construction of the Breeding Technology Centre in De Lier, Netherlands.

“We are very pleased to have Rik join Dümmen Orange,” says Hans van den Heuvel, managing director R&D. “He worked with a range of international seed, animal genetics and plant research companies. Throughout the years he gradually moved into people leadership roles and managed various teams in research, breeding and R&D operations. His strong managerial and subject-matter background is a great fit for Dümmen Orange.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to combine my experience with Dümmen Orange’s front-running role and ambitious agenda in combining Breeding and Breeding Technology,” says Rik. “I fully share Dümmen Orange’s belief in the power of advanced breeding technology to drive innovations. Dümmen Orange is a true floritech company where all relevant research disciplines collaborate to develop solutions to innovate floriculture. The Breeding Technology Centre in the Netherlands is the largest facility for floriculture research and development in the world, a high-tech home for international pioneering scientists, breeders and specialists to set new standards in floriculture genetics and breeding excellence. I couldn’t think of a more inspiring work environment.”