Van Rees Group is pleased to announce that Robin Lavooij has been appointed as the company’s new Managing Director, effective April 1st 2025.
Robin brings over 26 years of experience within Van Rees to the role. His journey with the company began in origin countries, where he spent seven formative years, starting as a management trainee in Mombasa, followed by managerial roles in Indonesia and Malawi.
In 2007, Robin moved to Toronto to join Van Rees North America as Trading Manager, and in 2013 he became Managing Director of Van Rees North America, leading the team through a decade of growth and transformation.
“I’m proud to be working for this iconic trading company that has, for over 200 years, been navigating the challenges of an ever-changing global tea market,” says Robin. “Van Rees holds a unique position in the industry. As a trading company and intermediary, we have a responsibility to maintain healthy, sustainable relationships between origin and consumer — representing the interests of both sides in often volatile and fast-changing circumstances.”
During his tenure in North America, Robin worked closely with supply chain partners in origin to meet the region’s rising demand for quality, food-safe, and sustainable tea. He also helped expand the company’s portfolio with specialty Camellia Sinensis teas and botanicals, aligning with the evolving tastes of today’s consumers.
As Managing Director of the global Van Rees Group, Robin is now ready to leverage the company’s deep industry knowledge and two centuries of trading expertise to ensure Van Rees continues to thrive in current and future markets.
