The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Board of Directors has appointed Henk van Duijn as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Henk van Duijn begins his new role and responsibilities on January 1, 2023.

Chair of the IFDC Board and Professor Emeritus at Wageningen University & Research, Dr. Rudy Rabbinge, made the announcement of van Duijn's appointment at IFDC Board organised a staff reception on October 26, 2022.

He is expected to contribute more than 30 years of agricultural and international development experience to the organization, with an emphasis on Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Henk has overseen an exceptional portfolio of programs that enable agribusinesses to enter and profit from profitable markets.

Henk van Duijn was previously Vice President, Corporate Services, and Chief Operations and Finance Officer at IFDC before being appointed President and CEO.

Prior to that, he led the 2SCALE initiative from 2019 to 2021 and was the CEO of Bopinc (2014–2019).

Henk van Duijn managed the design, startup, and implementation of large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives as well as national and international public-private partnerships throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia as a diplomat and civil service director in the Netherlands.

He graduated with honors from Wageningen University & Research with a master's degree in Land and Water Management.

Albin Hubscher, outgoing IFDC President and CEO, will retire after four years of skillfully leading the organization to a revitalized commitment to soil health.

He played a key role in developing IFDC's plan to establish a global innovation center to design and scale next-generation soil health and plant nutrition innovations.

Albin commended his successor, saying Henk's reputation for leading organizations to achieve great things precedes him in this appointment.

"I am confident that he will continue to build IFDC’s momentum as a thought leader in soil health and fertilizer technology, for which he has already been a prime force,” Albin said.

Chair of the IFDC Board, Dr. Rudy Rabbinge, encouraged staff of the organization to preserve our organization's momentum.

He said the IFDC as international mission-based organization is uniquely positioned to address the serious issues of declining soil health, plant nutrition as a result of geopolitical unrest and the war in Ukraine.

According to him, IFDC will continue to promote soil health, food security, and farmer livelihoods all over the world.

" I believe that Henk will catalyze our efforts," he stated.

After accepting the appointment, Henk told IFDC leadership and staff, IFDC is well-positioned to lead global innovations in soil health and food security.

"Now, it is time for us to move confidently in the direction set for us. I am honored and privileged to walk with you all," he said.