Vermaat Group announces that Ivo Steffens (43) will join as Managing Director Vermaat Netherlands from 4 December. Steffens succeeds Rob Peters, who is stepping down after four years as Managing Director of Vermaat Netherlands.

Ivo Steffens brings extensive leadership experience from the hospitality, travel, and mobility sectors. He is known as a connecting leader with a sharp eye for commercial opportunities, operational excellence, and customer experience. He previously held leadership positions at NS, Air France-KLM, and Transavia. Vermaat is the market leader in the Netherlands and is also gaining ground in Germany and France, aiming to achieve a turnover of approximately €700 million in 2025.

Experienced executive with strong background in customer experience and growth

Since 2018, Ivo Steffens has served as Commercial & IT Director at Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), where he led a commercial and IT team of 1,300 employees, driving NS’s commercial growth and digital transformation. Prior to this, from 2014 to 2018, he held various leadership positions at Air France-KLM, including serving as Commercial Director for the UK & Ireland in London. From 2009 to 2014, he worked at Transavia, including as Manager Digital Sales & Marketing. More recently, he has been a member of the Supervisory Board (RvC) of Hely, a specialist in corporate shared mobility, and Chair of the Supervisory Board of smart mobility IT provider Vaigo.

Rick Zeelen, CEO of Vermaat Group, says: “With Ivo, we are bringing in a modern and energetic leader with an impressive track record in guest experience, commerce, and innovation. His experience within international service organisations fits perfectly with Vermaat Netherlands’ ambitions. Ivo brings the combination of strategic insight and people-oriented leadership we are looking for. We look forward to shaping this new chapter together.”

Ivo Steffens adds: “Vermaat is a special company with a strong culinary culture, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a huge passion for hospitality. I am impressed by the quality and creativity within the organisation. It is an honour to lead this company. I look forward to working with the teams and partners to continue building growth, innovation, and an even stronger market position.”

Farewell to Rob Peters after a successful period

With the departure of Rob Peters (59), Vermaat bids farewell to a Managing Director who, since the end of 2021, has made a significant contribution to the growth and professionalisation of the organisation. Under his leadership, Vermaat strengthened its market position, developed numerous new partnerships, and continued the successful professionalisation of the organisation. Vermaat Group expresses great appreciation for his leadership, commitment, and dedication over the past period.

Vermaat will continue to grow as an independent organization within Compass Group.

On 22 July 2025, Compass Group PLC – the global leader in food services – announced its intention to acquire Vermaat Group. The acquisition is currently awaiting approval from European competition authorities. After formal approval, Vermaat Group will become an integral part of Compass Group. Vermaat will continue to operate as an independent organisation within Compass Group, retaining its current management, entrepreneurial culture, and high-quality services. With the support and international strength of Compass Group, Vermaat Group will be even better positioned to accelerate innovation and expand its premium offering across Europe more rapidly.

About Vermaat Group

Vermaat Group is a European leader in high-quality, tailor-made hospitality solutions, serving more than 200,000 guests daily across over 700 locations with 8,800 colleagues. Founded as a family business in 1978, it grew from a modest delicatessen in Utrecht to market leader in the Dutch food and hospitality sector, with significant presence in France and Germany. Vermaat Group is known for its culinary creativity, long-term partnerships, and unique guest experiences. Through innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, Vermaat constantly pushes boundaries, exemplified by pioneering concepts such as the Join Program.

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For further information:

Vermaat Netherlands, Communications Department

Tel.: 030-6880181

Email: pers@vermaatgroep.nl