The chief executive of Denmark-based Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Cees de Jong, has announced that he will be stepping down after five years in the post.

De Jong says he will leave once a replacement has been found and plans to pursue a career as a non-executive director outside Chr. Hansen in due course.

The company has started a process to find his replacement and until then he will continue as CEO.

“Cees has done a tremendous job for Chr. Hansen and its shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. Together with the Corporate Leadership Team, Cees has steered the company while delivering in accordance with our financial goals, helped develop an ambitious strategy and been a driving force behind our initiatives to pursue new growth opportunities,” said Ole Andersen, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.

“Chr. Hansen will be in a much stronger shape when Cees leaves, than when he arrived. We have several new and exciting prospects. I therefore look forward to identifying and appointing a new CEO for Chr. Hansen among the very strong candidates there will naturally be for this attractive position.”

“Chr. Hansen has a unique competence base and strong growth prospects, and it is and has been, a privilege to be the CEO since 2013,” added Cees de Jong.

“The company and its employees have been creating excellent results and are continuing to deliver on the “Nature’s No. 1” strategy, turning Chr. Hansen into a true global microbial solutions company.”

“While I am choosing now to pursue a different career, I will continue fully dedicated to my role as CEO for Chr. Hansen until my replacement has been found.”