Protix welcomes Maiko van der Meer as new CEO

Protix, the leading company in insect ingredients worldwide, has appointed Maiko van der Meer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of November 2025. As a seasoned professional with extensive experience at the largest food and feed companies in the world, Van der Meer is the perfect fit to guide the company through its international growth, and establish Protix as the enduring industry leader for functional ingredients.

Van der Meer brings nearly three decades of experience, having held board and senior leadership roles at major international companies such as Unilever, Mowi, Vion Food Group, Klaas Puul, Storteboom Food Group, and Tyson Foods. In recent years, he has focused increasingly on alternative proteins, from algae and plants to mycoproteins and cultured meat, driven by the belief that the world needs to produce sufficient protein in a responsible way.

As CEO of Protix, Van der Meer will advance Protix’s global expansion through strong strategic focus and agile delivery. Building on the company’s strong reputation for supplying consistently high-quality and high-performing products, he will steer Protix to become a steadfast partner for aquafeed, livestock feed and pet food companies, driving long-term success.

Commenting on his new role with Protix, Van der Meer says: “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 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.”