Bud Holland Names Stefan van Uffelen CEO
Stefan van Uffelen will take over as chief executive of the fresh produce importer on January 1, 2027, succeeding Peter Hobert.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
Bud Holland BV has appointed Stefan van Uffelen as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2027, and named Stefan Warbout Chief Commercial Officer. Peter Hobert has stepped down from the two-member executive board and will remain associated with the company as a member of the advisory board.
Why it matters
The leadership change transfers day-to-day control of the international produce business to executives who have worked at the company for more than 11 years. The reshuffle places commercial development under a dedicated officer while Hobert, who led the company since 2002, moves to an advisory role.
The company's range spans more than 600 products sourced from over 70 countries, and Hobert's tenure runs nearly four decades, from joining the commercial department in 1989 to becoming CEO in 2002. Van Uffelen and Warbout have each been with the company for over 11 years, but the announcement gives no financial figures for the company's performance.
The players
Bud Holland BV
A fresh produce importer that has grown into an international business specializing in exotic fruits, vegetables, and specialty produce.
Stefan van Uffelen
Currently CFO/COO of Bud Holland, he will become chief executive on January 1, 2027, overseeing the company's continued development.
Peter Hobert
Bud Holland's longtime CEO since 2002, who joined the commercial department in 1989 and moves to the advisory board.
Stefan Warbout
Appointed Chief Commercial Officer, he has worked at Bud Holland for over 11 years and will lead commercial development and supplier partnerships.
The details
Stefan van Uffelen, currently CFO/COO and a fellow board member, will become CEO effective January 1, 2027. Stefan Warbout has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing commercial development, customer relationships, product innovation, and supplier partnerships.
Timeline
1989: Peter Hobert joins Bud Holland's commercial department.
2002: Peter Hobert becomes CEO of Bud Holland.
November 3, 2026: Leadership transition announcement is published.
January 1, 2027: Stefan van Uffelen becomes CEO.
Market Landscape
Bud Holland's expansion from a fresh produce importer into a business sourcing from over 70 countries reflects the broader move of specialty produce importers toward global sourcing networks. The succession to an executive who has spent over a decade inside the company follows a pattern of internal promotion in this segment.
For customers and suppliers, the announcement signals continuity, since both the incoming CEO and Chief Commercial Officer have been with the company for over 11 years. Commercial relationships, product innovation, and supplier partnerships will now sit with Warbout's office.
The takeaway
Leadership continuity at Bud Holland comes through internal promotion, with the new CEO and CCO both drawn from over a decade of service at the company. Readers following global produce trade can watch how the transition shapes sourcing from more than 70 countries.
What happens next
Stefan van Uffelen officially takes over as CEO on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more leadership moves in the People section for other executive changes across the business world.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
