Frank Duijst appointed CEO / Rik Klercq joins the Executive Board as CIO / Martin Richrath leaves the company to pursue a new professional opportunity
Bielefeld, 6 February 2026 – EK Retail has announced changes to its Executive Board structure to position the group for further strategic growth. The Supervisory Board approved these changes to meet the cooperative group’s rising ambitions and to fully reflect the growing importance of technology‑driven transformation in European retail.
Johannes Lenzschau, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of EK Retail, announced that Frank Duijst, currently Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of 1 May 2026.
“With Frank Duijst, we have the right person to lead EK Retail into its next phase of development,” said Lenzschau. “His extensive experience, strong track record and holistic understanding of the group—combined with his passion, drive and deep confidence in the future of independent European retail—make him exceptionally well suited for this position.”
The reason for this change is that Martin Richrath, who has served on the Executive Board for more than ten years and as CEO for more than three years, has decided to pursue a new professional challenge outside EK Retail.
“We are very grateful to Martin Richrath,” Lenzschau added. “Together with his fellow board members and the entire team, he transformed EK from a traditional purchasing cooperative into a modern, professional retail organisation with a strong outlook. His contribution over the past decade has been essential to the company’s long‑term viability.”
Strengthening EK Retail’s long‑term future
In light of the group’s strategic priorities—particularly the increasing relevance of technological capabilities—the Supervisory Board has also redefined the composition of the Executive Board.
Effective 1 May 2026, Rik Klercq, currently Director Digital & IT, will join the Executive Board and take on the new position of Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for Innovation & Business Development.
“With Rik Klercq, we are strengthening our Executive Board with a leader who combines deep technological expertise with entrepreneurial thinking,” said Lenzschau. “This enhances our ability to drive innovation and unlock new business opportunities for our retailers throughout Europe.”
The future Executive Board structure
As of 1 May 2026, the Executive Board of EK Retail will consist of:
- Frank Duijst – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Rik Klercq – Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Jochen Pohle – Chief Retail Officer (CRO)
- Gertjo Janssen – Chief Retail Officer (CRO)
This structure ensures that retail expertise, technological innovation and strategic leadership remain firmly anchored at the highest level of the cooperative group.
“We have full confidence in this new Executive Board,” said Lenzschau. “EK Retail is entering an exciting new phase, and this team is ideally positioned to lead the group into the future.”
Image caption:
Frank Duijst (left) will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from Martin Richrath on 1 May 2026.
