REPLOID Group AG has appointed Paul van der Raad as Director of Global Petfood, while further strengthening its business development team with two additional senior hires.
Based in Wels, Austria, the company announced the appointments on April 13, 2026. CEO and founder Philip Pauer said the new additions bring significant expertise and will support the company’s continued expansion.
Van der Raad joins REPLOID with nearly 30 years of international experience in the pet industry. Formerly Global Director of Protix BV’s pet division, he has held senior leadership roles including CEO and board-level positions across multiple pet food businesses. His experience spans private label and branded products, ingredients, strategy, growth and global business development. He holds a degree in International Management from Haarlem Business School.
In his new role, he will support the development of REPLOID’s global pet activities, focusing on functional and sustainable pet solutions, ingredients, brands and strategic partnerships, as well as strengthening relationships with retailers and producers. He will also contribute to advancing the company’s circular pet solutions by helping translate sustainable concepts into commercial opportunities.
The company has also appointed Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann as Head of Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, and Maurice Brenninkmeijer as Head of Business Development & Partnerships, further strengthening the international sales and business development team led by Andrew Bernard.
Heckmann brings more than 12 years of experience in insect farming, including over five years leading business development at Big Dutchman Group. He holds a PhD in biology from the University of Reading.
Brenninkmeijer previously worked at Protix BV, where he was involved in international expansion strategies, including joint ventures and strategic alliances. He holds an Executive MBA from IMD Business School and has completed advanced sustainability training at the University of Cambridge.
