OptiBiotix Health has announced the appointment of René Kamminga as CEO of its wholly owned subsidiary, OptiBiotix.
Bringing more than 25 years of business development experience to the role, Kamminga joins OptiBiotix as CEO from his prior role at KD Pharma Group. As former VP of Group Business Development and CCO of the Nutraceuticals Division, he helped transitioning the business from a bulk ingredients’ supplier to a developer of finished product solutions.
Kamminga also brings industry knowledge from his previous business directorate roles for Uniquema and Quest, former subsidiaries of Unilever and ICI, and President of Kerry Groups Texture Division in Europe.
“It is a pleasure to join OptiBiotix at such an exciting stage of its commercial growth strategy,” said Kamminga. “OptiBiotix has ambitious plans to accelerate its functional fibre division into new markets with its scientifically backed microbiome modulation technologies. I am confident that we can drive further commercialisation of these technologies within the food and nutraceutical industries.”
The appointment is part of the company’s drive towards continued commercialisation of its microbiome modulating technology platforms, including its weight management SlimBiome, health and functional fibre blend WellBiome, and its low-calorie sugar alternative SweetBiotix.
Stephen O’Hara, CEO at parent company OptiBiotix Health, said: “René's wealth of experience in speciality food ingredients and track record of growing sales through his vast network of industry contacts will help OptiBiotix reach its next phase of evolution. In addition to his involvement in a number of business acquisitions, René is also fluent in Dutch, French and German, supporting our strategic plans to expand further into the European market. I am delighted to welcome him to the OptiBiotix management team and board of directors.”
Following the appointment, Dr Frederic Narbel will move from his position as director of the OptiBiotix board and managing director of the functional fibres division to a more strategic role as Non-Executive Director of OptiBiotix in June.
“I would like to thank Fred for his ongoing contribution to OptiBiotix,” said O’Hara. “He has been instrumental to the commercial success of SlimBiome with many of our partners around the world. The leadership team and board look forward to him taking a more strategic role in the business later this year.”