Dutch alcohol group Lucas Bols has appointed Frank Cocx to the role of CEO, with current CEO Huub van Doorne to step down after 20 years in the role. Cocx, previously Lucas Bols’ CFO, will take up the position from 1 October.
Van Doorne will remain with the company, taking over as chair of the supervisory board on 1 January 2026, relinquishing his CEO role in October of this year.
Chair of Lucas Bols’ supervisory board, René Hooft Graafland, expressed gratitude to Van Doorne for his role company’s success over the past two decades, adding that he has been “instrumental in shaping The Lucas Bols Company into a leading global player in cocktails and spirits” since leading the company’s buyout in 2006.
Hooft Graafland continued: “We are also delighted that Frank will succeed Huub. Frank has played a pivotal role in navigating The Lucas Bols Company through some challenging times whilst driving an international, growth-focused strategy and mindset. His broad general management skills, financial expertise and genuine entrepreneurial spirit ensure he is perfectly qualified to lead the company in the future.”
Founded in Amsterdam in the 1500s, Lucas Bols is now active in over 110 countries worldwide. Its portfolio includes its three premium cocktail brands, Bols, Passoã and Galliano, as well as a range of regional liqueurs and spirits.
Van Doorne said that it has been a privilege to lead the company for the past 20 years, adding that the “time is right…to step down and pass the baton to the next generation.”
He continued: “I am grateful to all my colleagues and business partners, both past and present, for their support and dedication throughout my years as CEO. Having worked closely with Frank over the last five years, I am convinced that The Lucas Bols Company will be in good hands under his leadership. I look forward to remaining involved with the company in my upcoming role on the company’s supervisory board.”
Cocx has been CFO for the past five years at Lucas Bol. He is credited with implementing Lucas Bols’ Fit for Growth operation model and for several strategic acquisitions.
Speaking about his appointment, Cocx said: “I am truly honoured to take on the role of CEO. Together with our entire global team and valuable partners, I look forward to pursuing the future growth and development of the global cocktail markets and our iconic cocktail brands whilst continuing our rich tradition of innovation.”
In October 2023, Lucas Bols was acquired by the Nolet Group, now operating as its own separate company underneath Nolet’s ownership.
by Leah Smith
Source: foodbev.com
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