01 May 2021
Dirk Bontridder is set to take over the reins at Reynaers Group as its new CEO/Managing Director, from May 3, with responsibility for the day-to-day management and the development of the family business’ strategy. Bontridder brings more than 25 years of international management experience in various manufacturing and service sectors to the leading European aluminium solutions provider.
He takes over from Martine Reynaers, who will be appointed non-executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors after having completed her mandate as Managing Director. Under her leadership, the Reynaers Group has grown into a leading international group of companies active in aluminium (Reynaers Aluminium) and steel (Forster) systems for the construction industry. The company has 2,400 employees, is active worldwide and is a pioneer in developing a circular building process.
“Thanks to the exceptional commitment of all employees and the partnership with our customers, the Reynaers Group has grown into an internationally leading and socially responsible company. We want to ensure our future development with a structure that is adapted to the many challenges ahead. I have every confidence that Dirk will lead us further along this path,” stated Reynaers.
“I feel enormously honoured to succeed Martine in the role of CEO. We share the same values such as result-orientation and growth, innovation, respect and partnership. With my international management experience, I am convinced that I will write a great next chapter in the development of the Reynaers Group with all stakeholders and the Reynaers employees,” commented Bontridder.
Reynaers Group enfolds its several diverse companies in three business units, namely aluminium architectural solutions, steel architectural solutions and building products. Founded in 1965, the Reynaers Group is active in more than 70 countries worldwide with 40 subsidiaries and 2,200 employees.
Reynaers’ regional headquarters – Reynaers Middle East (RME) – is based in Bahrain and caters to the entire GCC region in addition to Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. It has branch offices in the UAE, Egypt and Jordan.
RME’s Managing Director Ali Khalaf held his first virtual meeting with Bontridder last month to brief him about the Middle East market, the business operations and market dynamics in this region. Reynaers Middle East has branch offices in the UAE, Egypt and Jordan.