10/6/2025:
Royal GD in Deventer welcomes Dr. ir. Gerhard de Ruiter as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Prof. Dr. Ynte Schukken, who will fully dedicate himself to his role as CEO of the GD Group.
Royal GD is delighted with Gerhard’s appointment. He brings extensive knowledge of the agrifood sector and broad experience in leadership within both commercial and academic environments, in innovation, and in translating science into practical, impactful solutions.

Extensive leadership experience in R&D and innovation
Since 2016, Gerhard has held senior leadership positions at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), where he was responsible for Wageningen Food & Biobased Research. This institute is one of Europe’s leading independent research organizations in the fields of food, ingredients, quality, biobased materials and water, with over 200 interdisciplinary scientists.
Prior to joining WUR, Gerhard held various international R&D, Quality and Business Development roles at among others SD Guthrie Bhd in Kuala Lumpur (the global market leader in sustainable palm oil products) and at NIZO, a contract research organization for the dairy and food industry.
Gerhard holds a PhD in biochemistry (cum laude, 1993). His doctoral research laid the foundation for a new generation of rapid ELISA diagnostic tests to detect micro-organisms in food, as well as for human and veterinary applications.
With his results-driven approach and his experience in building and scaling innovative pipelines to commercial success, Gerhard will play a key role in further developing Royal GD as the leading partner in animal health, with a strong focus on sustainable growth and strengthening partnerships in the Netherlands and beyond.
Ynte Schukken, CEO GD Group:
“With Gerhard, we are welcoming an experienced and inspiring leader. His knowledge of innovation and business development in a knowledge-intensive environment fits perfectly with Royal GD’s ambitions. His appointment allows me to fully focus on the growth and international development of the GD Group, further strengthening the Netherlands’ leading veterinary position in Europe.”
Gerhard de Ruiter, Managing Director:
“I look forward to working with Royal GD’s dedicated team to further build a future-proof organization that has been supporting farmers, veterinarians and veterinary businesses for more than a century. Together, we will strengthen our position as the leading partner in animal health and contribute to a healthy planet and a healthy society.”
Gerhard de Ruiter will join Royal GD on 1 November 2025. As of 1 December, he will fully assume the responsibilities of Ynte Schukken.
More information:
For more information, please contact: Jan Peter Jansen, Head of Marketing & Communications Royal GD, mob. +31 6 82 07 24 34, Email: j.jansen@gddiergezondheid.nl.