Atlas Professionals announces appointment of new CEO

20 October 2020

Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, October 20, 2020 –Atlas Professionals announced today that Marcel Burghouwt and René Neelissen will step down as Managing Directors of the company effective October 21. They will be succeeded by Boris Kasteel, an experienced business leader who has worked in senior roles across several industries, including wholesale and manufacturing.

Marcel and René have led Atlas Professionals through a strong growth phase since 1993. “They have led a significant expansion of Atlas’ international footprint and the expansion of the brand across multiple new business lines including renewables and decommissioning. They leave behind a strong company that not only is able to withstand the current global COVID-19 crisis and low energy prices, but also is and will be ready to seize new opportunities ahead,” says Peter Wit, Board Member of Atlas Professionals.

“I am excited to welcome Boris to the Atlas Professionals,” Peter continues. “His track record, depth of managerial experience and excitement about joining our industry makes him an ideal leader to build on the great work of René, Marcel and the rest of the Atlas team.”

Boris Kasteel, a graduate from the Delft University of Technology, started his career at AkzoNobel and has subsequently held director positions within concrete manufacturing, the printing industry and international paper and packaging wholesale companies. Boris also served as Plant Manager of the largest cheese factory in Europe at FrieslandCampina. On joining the business Boris says: “I really look forward to getting to know all the people that make up the Atlas Professionals community.”

Atlas Professionals has through a number of acquisitions created one of the strongest recruitment and HR services companies globally within the energy, marine and renewables industries. “Both René and I are convinced Boris, with his experience and knowledge, will be a major force in driving Atlas Professionals further ahead and cementing our position in the market,” says Marcel Burghouwt.

Marcel and René will remain with Atlas Professionals as a special advisor through May 2021, supporting the transition.