Bendert de Graaf appointed as new Domain Head GT&A

Publicationdate: 19 november 2025

On 1 January 2026, Bendert de Graaf will join us as the new Domain Head for Plant and SeedHealth, Testing & Analyses (Dutch abbreviation: GT&A).

As Domain Head GT&A, Bendert provides direction for the strategic and operational development of the domain. The execution of our customer processes is central, with quality, innovation, and timeliness being key. In addition, he translates international trends and innovations into a future-proof strategy, promotes collaboration at a strategic level, and represents the organization in (inter)national bodies. He also works with colleagues on the technological and digital transformation of our laboratories.

Background

Bendert currently works at CCIC Europe Food Test BV. This laboratory focuses on the analysis of dairy products, with an emphasis on baby and infant nutrition. After completing his PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics in Portland (Oregon, USA), he started working at Vitens, the largest drinking water company in the Netherlands, where he held project and management roles. In 2018, he transitioned to CCIC Europe Food Test B.V. in Lelystad, where he is a member of the management team. He is responsible for the daily operations of the organization, which specializes in chemical and microbiological analyses. At present, he is also a university lecturer at Amsterdam UMC, focusing on patient advocacy and personalized medicine.

Enthusiastic

Bendert sees the role at Naktuinbouw as a great challenge to work together with colleagues on the future of Naktuinbouw and to tackle complex issues. Bendert: “After the conversations with the management team, the MT, and the passionate employees from the domain, it felt like coming home. The ambition to improve processes and further digitize aligns well with my personal approach. That approach is: moving forward together, with openness, enjoyment in the work, and room to learn from each other.”

At the beginning of 2026, he will start getting acquainted with the sectors in which Naktuinbouw is active.

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