Protix, the global leader in insect-based ingredients, has announced the appointment of Maiko van der Meer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 2025. Van der Meer, who has led some of the biggest food and feed firms in the world for almost thirty years, is expected to steer Protix through its next stage of global expansion and establish the company as a pioneer in sustainable protein production.
At significant companies like Unilever, Mowi, Vion Food Group, Klaas Puul, Storteboom Food Group, and Tyson Foods, Van der Meer has held senior and board-level positions. He has emerged as a prominent figure in the alternative protein area in recent years, supporting innovation in the fields of algae, plants, mycoprotein, and cultured meat to advance ethical protein production worldwide.
Commenting on his appointment, Van der Meer said “With rising meat and seafood demand and the need for more sustainable food chains, I am excited to lead a company that is at the forefront of changing the food system. Protix is building on a solid foundation with strong assets such as its committed team, unique portfolio of functional ingredients, state-of-the-art technology, and valuable partnerships such as that with Tyson Foods. I see a bright future for functional insect ingredients, and look forward to advancing their role in building a circular food system.”
Protix has established itself as a major facilitator of the circular food economy by continuing to lead solutions that connect sustainability with performance.