AGRO Merchants Group
European Management Team
AGRO Merchants European Management Team is well recognised throughout the global cold chain industry for their extensive design, build, management, and operational expertise that spans North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Hans Kroes
Managing Director Europe
Hans joined AGRO in July 2017 as Managing Director Iberia and in July 2018 was promoted to President, Europe. After a short break Hans returned to AGRO in February 2021 as Managing Director Europe. In addition to logistics and operations, Hans brings to the team a wealth of business integration and human resources expertise. Prior to joining AGRO, Hans was CEO of Kloosterboer, a coldstorage and logistics provider. Professional experience during the last 25 years also includes COO and other positions in several multinational companies. Hans earned a degree from Haarlem Business School has held Board positions with Nekovri and the GCCA. Achievements include representing the Dutch swimming team in the Olympic games in 1984 and 1988.
Elizabeth Gildea
Vice President Integration and Finance Europe
Elizabeth joins AGRO Merchants Group with more than 16 years of international leadership experience in a variety of industries, geographies, and Finance roles which include business transformation, restructuring, business process improvement, and integration. She has extensive experience in manufacturing and distribution businesses including Infrastructure, Building Materials, Commercial and Retail Solutions and Telecommunications. Prior to joining AGRO Merchants Group, Elizabeth was Vice President of Finance for CRH Americas Construction Accessories and also held leadership roles at CRH within Europe and North America. Elizabeth is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner in the United States and holds an MBA from Georgia State University.
Anke Kruisinga
General Counsel Europe
Anke is serving as General Counsel with responsibility for legal and compliance matters of Americold’s European operations. She has more than 20 years of international in-house experience in publicly listed and privately-owned multinationals. Prior to joining Americold, Anke served in senior legal and compliance roles in various industries including logistics, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the oil- and gas industry. Anke also served as supervisory board member, and has leadership experience as head of legal and compliance departments.
She started her career as attorney at Nauta Dutilh, one of the leading lawfirms in the Netherlands. Anke received a Master’s degree in Dutch law and an International Executive MBA with honors from Maastricht University. She holds two postgraduate degrees in ‘Financing and Securities’ and ‘Dutch and European Competition Law’ from the Grotius Academy.
Monique Bakker
EVP Human Resources
Monique joined AGRO in February 2018 and is since July of that year a member of the executive team with overall responsibility for the company’s Human Resources function and bringing new strategies and best practices to the organization. Monique brings to AGRO more than 25 years of HR management experience. She has worked in a wide range of industries across multiple countries and regions, these include cold storage, retail and FMCG. Monique’s expertise includes change management, talent development, and integration. Monique earned a BA degree in Management, Economics and Law, and an MBA in Marketing and Sales.