Dutch horticultural automation specialist Gearbox has expanded its management team with the appointment of Kees de Jonge as Head of Commerce.
De Jonge brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience to the role, including a period as Director Food & Agri at Rabobank, during which he built an extensive network across the sector. His focus is on connecting people and organizations to develop practical solutions and sustainable growth.
© Gearbox Innovations B.V.
Strengthening commerce and connection within the sector
With De Jonge joining the management team, Gearbox aims to strengthen its commercial capabilities while advancing its international ambitions.
"Gearbox combines technology with deep sector knowledge," said De Jonge. "That combination is what makes it possible to create real impact. I look forward to working with the team, partners, and customers to develop solutions that make operations smarter and help businesses grow. Connection and collaboration are central to that. I am genuinely curious about what drives organizations and enjoy helping them take their next step forward."
A strong and complementary management team
Simone Keijzer, Co-Founder and CEO of Gearbox, commented on the appointment: "With Kees on board, the management team is now complete. This is an important milestone for Gearbox. With this team in place, we have everything we need to continue growing. By bringing technology, market, and execution closer together, we can respond faster and create more impact for our customers, both today and for the future of the sector."
Founded in 2016, Gearbox is a provider of intelligent automation solutions for the horticulture sector. Using smart robotics and Vision AI, the company delivers systems for grading, sorting, and processing vegetables, fruit, flowers, and plants. Its solutions are designed to reduce pressure in daily operations, enabling growers, breeders, and packers to work more efficiently.
Gearbox employs more than 50 people and serves over 150 customers worldwide, with more than 100 operational systems in use globally. The management team consists of Simone Keijzer (Co-Founder & CEO), Kees de Jonge (Head of Commerce), Jeffrey de Wijs (Head of Operations), and Martin van Zanten (Head of Product).
Martin van Zanten, Head of Product, added: "Gearbox's strength lies in translating technology into concrete customer value. As a management team, we form the bridge between market demand, customer needs, and product development, enabling us to innovate with greater precision."
Jeffrey de Wijs, Head of Operations, said: "From an operations perspective, we see daily where the pressure points are. By working as one team and translating operational bottlenecks directly into solutions, we ensure our customers receive what they ordered, when they need it, often resolving issues before customers are even aware of them."
For more information:
Gearbox
Tel: +31 (0)174 295714
[email protected]
www.gearboxinnovations.com
