Apex International appoints new CEO

Apex International has announced the appointment of Ruud van Cuijk as its new chief executive officer.

Ruud, who has been an essential part of Apex International's executive leadership team for the past decade, will assume the CEO position effective May 1, 2023. He will succeed Marian Waterschoot who will remain with the company as the new director of Apex Embossing B.V.

Born and raised in the south of the Netherlands, Ruud van Cuijk has a background in hard work and humility. He holds a master's degree in international business from Tilburg University and another master's degree in finance and control from TIAS Business School.

Ruud began his leadership career in the banking industry as an international management trainee and held various leadership roles within retail banking. In 2010, he joined the largest Dutch organization for labor market participation as business unit manager, leading over 800 employees. Ruud joined Apex International in 2012 as group controller where he led the financial unit with diligence and strategic vision. In 2018, he was appointed chief financial officer and two years later he became managing director of Apex North America. In 2022, he was promoted to managing director of Apex Europe. Ruud's results-driven approach and action-oriented leadership style make him a valuable asset as CEO of Apex International.

In his personal life, Ruud is a devoted family man who enjoys nature and endurance sports, including spending time with his two energetic children, Niek and Loïs, and his wife Meike.

Ken Ralton, chairman of Apex International, said: 'Over the last decade, Ruud has consistently demonstrated diligence, strategy, integrity, and action. We are confident he will lead Apex International to our next level of success, prioritizing our customers' goals and needs in every decision.'

Ruud expressed his gratitude and excitement in a statement:

'As the newly appointed CEO of Apex International, I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of professionals. Our buy-and-build strategy, which focuses on recovery, expansion, and sustainable customer solutions, will be advanced through the perseverance and dedication of our employees and the inspiration of the Ralton family.

I owe a debt of gratitude to former CEO Marian Waterschoot who has built Apex into the world's leading anilox and embossing company. As a member of her leadership team, I have witnessed her commitment to entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and international expansion. I will continue to embrace these strategic pillars as we move forward.

With a solid foundation, we will continue pushing the boundaries of high-end manufacturing, innovative solutions, and thoughtful risk-taking. You can trust that Apex will remain at the forefront of our industry, delivering excellence and results to the markets we serve around the globe.'