Koen Tengrootenhuysen leaves Decathlon after twenty years

After twenty years, Koen Tengrootenhuysen is leaving sports retailer Decathlon. He played a key role in the chain’s store expansion and real estate strategy in the Benelux. He will announce his next career move at a later date.

Steps toward circularity

Friday, October 23, was Koen Tengrootenhuysen’s last day at Decathlon. In a farewell message to colleagues, partners, and associates, he looks back on two decades during which he held various strategic positions at the sports retailer. His most recent role was that of Director Public Affairs for Europe.

Among other things, Tengrootenhuysen was involved in the expansion and management of the store network and worked in the areas of retail, real estate, logistics, and business development in the Benelux. He also represented Decathlon in European industry associations and policy consultative bodies. He cites his contribution to the transition to a circular economy—with a particular focus on circular textiles—as one of his most significant achievements.

“Like best friends”

Over those twenty years, Tengrootenhuysen saw Decathlon grow from a strong regional player into a global multinational. “What has always driven me—and what makes me a lifelong ambassador for Decathlon—is the conviction that you should treat customers and partners as your best friends,” he writes.

For now, he’s revealing little about his future plans. He’ll first take a short break before taking on a new professional challenge. “This is certainly not goodbye. I’m convinced that our paths will cross again soon.”