Belgian with extensive international experience to lead Jules Destrooper

Wim Petermans succeeds Ives Depoortere as CEO of Jules Destrooper. He brings international expertise to the Belgian biscuit manufacturer, which exports its cookies to more than 60 countries.

International expertise

The Board of Directors of Jules Destrooper has appointed Wim Petermans as the new CEO of the Belgian biscuit manufacturer. He will succeed Ives Depoortere on November 17, 2025, with whom it was agreed earlier this year that he would hand over his mandate at the end of the year, the company reports.

Petermans started his career at Unilever Belgium and then built an international career in the FMCG sector. For the American Wonderful Group, he launched the Wonderful Pistachios brand in Europe and the Middle East. He then led Eden Chocolats in China, a manufacturer with Belgian roots and a global focus, as CEO and co-owner. For the past ten years, he has been based in Brussels, working for Wellness Pet Company, where he was responsible for expanding activities in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Latin America. At Jules Destrooper, he will be able to make the most of his international experience: the Belgian biscuit manufacturer exports its cookies to more than 60 countries.

“Jules Destrooper is stronger than ever”

Under Ives Depoortere’s leadership, the manufacturer’s turnover increased by more than 50% and profitability also improved significantly. He says he wants to continue to use his experience to support family businesses in their transition. He will also make time for boards of directors.

“We are very grateful to Ives for the professionalism he brought to the company and the turnaround he achieved,” says Sofie Vandermarliere on behalf of the family owners. “Jules Destrooper is now stronger than ever to continue building the future, a future that we will embark on with Wim Petermans as our new CEO.”