Royal Smit & Zoon has appointed Wilfred Buijs as Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding René Weltevrede who brings over 40 years of experience including two decades at Royal Smit & Zoon. The transition follows a detailed global handover across operations, marking a key leadership change for the leather chemicals company.

Wilfred Buijs takes over as COO after months of close guidance from René, gaining deep insights into customers, operations and the company’s internal culture.

“I have every confidence in Wilfred as my successor.”

René Weltevrede, Royal Smit & Zoon

As part of the transition, Buijs travelled across the company’s global network including China, India and Europe. He worked with teams, visited plants and engaged with supply chain partners to understand key challenges and opportunities.