Gerlof Bergmans, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fobek B.V.: “Most major companies started breeding at Fobek. Some of these companies later started breeding themselves.”
Jacques Vergroesen, the current director of Fobek: “As of January 1, 2027, I will retire, which means we are looking for a successor. I will have been the director for nine years and I would like to train and introduce my successor to our company and clients.”
WHAT MAKES FOBEK DIFFERENT FROM OTHER POTATO BREEDERS?
“Fobek does not operate like a traditional commercial company,” says Gerlof Bergmans. Fobek operates on a cost-price model: we charge a small margin on the costs incurred to our customers. When licensing revenues allow, we pay out to the shareholders. Customers and shareholders are largely the same parties, making the model in practice similar to a cooperative structure, even though it is not formally. We run a separate breeding program for each customer. You have to see it as a game of chance. You wait until a variety breaks through. Fobek handles half of the breeding process, and the other half, market introduction, is done by the customer afterward."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE WITHIN FOBEK?
“Informal, open, and relaxed,” they both say. Jacques explains: "If I do something that someone at Fobek disagrees with, they just let me know, and I have to accept that. At Fobek, as a director, you also get your hands dirty. Sometimes I spend a few weeks on my knees in the field helping with breeding.” Gerlof Bergmans adds: “The small scale of the company requires creativity and flexibility from everyone, including the director. We work with a certain model. It works now, but may need adjustments in the future.”
WHY IS FOBEK LOOKING FOR A NEW DIRECTOR NOW?
Gerlof: “Jacques is retiring after nine years, which coincides with a period in which Fobek must reflect on the future. Fobek has a very specific position in the market. Externally, the company may seem outdated, but internally that is certainly not the case. The challenge is to lead Fobek into the next few decades. The strength lies in the programs and in the knowledge of the people working there. The new director must continue to leverage them in the right way and focus on how we can ensure Fobek's viability for the next 25 years.”
WHAT DOES A DIRECTOR DO DURING THE DAY?
“As a director, I am primarily the face of the company externally,” explains Jacques Vergroesen. "I am the contact person for customers, involved in relationship management, national and international contacts, and project management, for example, in collaboration with Wageningen University. I also handle finances and ensure the team can work." Gerlof adds: “There are also fixed moments in the year: three meetings with the Supervisory Board, one of which is combined with the shareholders' meeting. Additionally, there are visits to trial fields both domestically and abroad, and annual meetings with each customer to discuss the program and gather feedback.”
TO WHOM DOES THE DIRECTOR REPORT AND WHO DO THEY COLLABORATE WITH?
“Fobek has a small team: besides the director, there is a breeder and two assistants, one of whom works mainly in the field and the other deals with data and computer work. As director, I report to the Supervisory Board,” Jacques explains. “In collaboration with our customers, we try to establish trial fields abroad in places where commercial people visit, so they can contribute. It is important for us to see how our varieties develop abroad. Additionally, I have monthly contact with the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, in this case, Gerlof. We often do this by phone.”
“FOBEK HAS A SMALL TEAM: BESIDES THE DIRECTOR, THERE IS A BREEDER AND TWO ASSISTANTS”
HOW MUCH FREEDOM DOES THE DIRECTOR HAVE AND WHERE ARE THE LIMITS?
Gerlof explains: “The director has a lot of freedom, but it is not unlimited. There is no director's statute, but investments exceeding 5,000 euros must be coordinated with the Supervisory Board by the director. It is also agreed that the Supervisory Board approves the budget. In principle, we give the director a lot of space to determine how to create the most value for the customer. Formally, the Supervisory Board and the director do not interfere in the breeding work itself, which remains the responsibility of the breeder. However, we expect the new director to gradually implement any changes in direction. Major and rapid changes can rub the team and customers the wrong way. Therefore, the first step is: proper training, getting to know the team and customers, and understanding what is happening.”
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON IS A GOOD FIT FOR THIS ROLE?
“Fobek is not necessarily looking for a grower or breeder, but for an entrepreneurial individual with the right expertise,” explains Gerlof Bergmans. "Someone who enjoys running a small company, can manage personnel, takes responsibility for everything, is hands-on, and develops their own vision. Someone who is willing to take steps forward. Additionally, it would be beneficial for the new director to have experience with a works council or direct contact with a board member, as it helps in understanding the organizational needs and how to navigate those discussions. Being based in Friesland is a plus, as well as having an affinity for the region.”
FOBEK IS LOOKING FOR A DIRECTOR WHO WANTS TO RUN A SMALL COMPANY. IS KNOWLEDGE OF POTATO BREEDING ESSENTIAL?
“Not necessarily,” says Jacques Vergroesen, “because that's what the breeder is for. It is helpful to have knowledge in the field and being familiar with the sector can be advantageous in attracting new clients. Having a bachelor's degree and understanding new breeding techniques are desired. Having an interest in the field is a plus, but more important than in-depth expertise is the ability to make sound decisions when faced with challenges, such as losing a client and needing to explore new clients or adjust personnel.”
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW DIRECTOR?
“The initial challenge is crucial: building trust with the clients. We work for our clients and handle sensitive information," Jacques explains. “For instance, we can't 'stack' programs because each client sees their program as proprietary. Sharing programs with other clients is not allowed. There are also various other issues to consider. Fobek holds a unique position in the market. We breed potato varieties for ten to twelve years ahead, while the future remains uncertain. New breeding technologies may require a different way of working in the future. Furthermore, Fobek is located around five hundred meters from the Wadden Sea, a Natura 2000 area. Stricter environmental regulations could impose limitations in the future. At the same time, the proximity to the Wadden Sea could be an opportunity for salt-tolerant potato cultivation. Additionally, technologies like artificial intelligence are making their way into the sector. Although we are not currently using it in breeding, we are monitoring and collecting data to prepare. Lastly, we aim to upgrade our building facilities, as they appear somewhat outdated. The new director could develop a project plan for this and discuss it with clients to secure financial resources."
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT TO CONVEY TO A CANDIDATE WHO IS DOUBTFUL?
“Just come and see for yourself,” Jacques and Gerlof say in unison. Jacques: ‘From my office, I can see deer and hares in the field, and the harrier hawk in the sky. I greatly enjoy that. I also appreciate the variety between board work, national and international contacts, the trial fields, and physically working on the land. I still have the opportunity to diversify my skills widely."
Gerlof highlights the commitment of the affiliated growers, some of whom have been breeding for Fobek for over seventy years. “Some growers are already past retirement age but are so passionate that they don't want to stop. Some are between seventy and ninety years old. Despite their age, they continue to come up with new ideas.” "What I would like to convey to the new director: Trust your people and enjoy the work you get to do," concludes Jacques Vergroesen. "It's a wonderful job in a beautiful location."