Supervisory Board nominates Henry Schirmer as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Board
Randstad Holding nv announced today that the Supervisory Board will nominate Henry Schirmer, currently Executive Vice President Finance of Unilever Europe, as CFO and member of the Executive Board. Subject to shareholder appointment, Henry Schirmer will succeed Robert Jan van de Kraats at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 27 March 2018.
Henry Schirmer joined Unilever as a management trainee in 1990 and gained extensive experience in several international finance roles across many markets and categories, most recently as Executive Vice President Finance for Unilever Europe (EUR 13 billion revenue, 30 countries). From 2012 to 2016 Henry was leading the finance function for North America. Before that, from 2008 to 2012, he was Vice President Finance for Unilever Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Over the years he successfully led multiple large scale business transformations within Unilever and also as CFO and member of the Executive Board in a Private Equity led business carve-out. He is a member of the Board of Directors of General American Investors and the non-profit organization Results for Development. Henry is 53 years old and originates from Germany.
I am delighted to welcome Henry to Randstad. Both the Supervisory Board and Executive Board are looking forward to working with him. With his financial expertise and great international track record he can lead Randstad into the next phase of growth. Henry will formally join Randstad on 27 March 2018 and will work alongside Robert Jan to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Robert Jan van de Kraats joined Randstad in 2001 as CFO and member of the Executive Board. He was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board in 2006. Robert Jan played an instrumental role in the expansion of Randstad through significant organic growth and through many acquisitions such as Vedior, SFN Group, Fujistaff, selective operations of USG People, Proffice, Obiettivo Lavoro, Monster, Ausy and BMC. In addition, Robert Jan successfully managed Randstad through various economic cycles. He established operations such as Japan, India, China and was also responsible for the Nordics. Strengthening its various financial functions, Randstad is widely recognized for its financial discipline and clear and transparent communication to its stakeholders.
As part of his 4-year service agreement, which lasts until 31 December 2019, Robert Jan van de Kraats will focus on his operational responsibilities until the end of 2018. In 2019, the last year of his assignment, he will act as an advisor to the Supervisory Board.
On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I take this early opportunity to thank Robert Jan for his exemplary commitment and very valuable dedication to the company. Randstad owes him enormous gratitude for his crucial contribution to the company. Over the years revenue grew from EUR 5 billion to EUR 21 billion, while profitability increased more than 9 times. The Supervisory Board considers this to be an appropriate and natural moment for a transfer of duties and is grateful that Robert Jan will ensure a smooth and orderly transfer.
Robert Jan has played a key role in the transformation of the company in the past years. After nearly 17 years as member of the Executive Board and CFO, the company today is much larger, more prominent and in excellent shape, both operationally and financially. As a close colleague and Executive Board partner for 13 years, I want to thank him personally for his support and the value he has added to our business.
In the nearly 17 years that I have been an Executive Board member, the company has transformed itself into a true international player and a global leader in the world of work, operating in 39 countries. I am immensely proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a great and committed Randstad team. Now, with the focus clearly set on the ‘Tech and Touch’ strategy, I am very pleased to hand over my responsibilities to Henry in whom I have the fullest confidence.
Other information
The respective arrangements are in line with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code and our remuneration policy. As compensation for the lost Unilever equity entitlements, Mr. Schirmer will receive Randstad shares of in total EUR 750,000 net which shares need to be retained for 5 years after the date of his appointment. As the latter is not feasible within our current remuneration policy and share plan, we will ask the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 27 March 2018 for approval.
about randstad
Randstad is a global talent leader with the vision to be the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company. As a partner for talent and through our four specializations - Operational, Professional, Digital and Enterprise - we provide clients with the high-quality, diverse and agile workforces that they need to succeed in a talent scarce world. We help people secure meaningful roles, develop relevant skills and find purpose and belonging in their workplace. Through the value we create, we are committed to a better and more sustainable future for all. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Randstad operates in 39 markets and has approximately 40,000 employees. In 2023, we supported 2 million talent to find work and generated a revenue of €25.4 billion. Randstad N.V. is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam. For more information, see www.randstad.com.
for more information
Elise Martin-Davies
+31 (0)6 1322 5136
press@randstad.com