The European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) is pleased to announce the results of the EHEDG Elections 2024! As an organisation dedicated to advancing hygienic design and food safety worldwide, we are proud to introduce the newly elected board members who will guide EHEDG into the future from 2025 to 2028.  

Foundation Board: Vice-President Dirk Nikoleiski

We are delighted to welcome Dirk Nikoleiski as the newly elected Vice-President of the EHEDG Foundation Board. With over 35 years of experience in the food industry, Dirk brings extensive knowledge and a proven track record in food hygiene and hygienic design. Currently serving as Regional Manager EMEA at Commercial Food Sanitation (CFS an Intralox company), Dirk is recognised for his leadership in advancing food safety, driving innovation in hygienic engineering, and mentoring teams to deliver excellence. 

Dirk joins EHEDG President Hein Timmerman and Treasurer & Secretary Matilda Freund to form a strong leadership team that will drive the organisation’s mission forward. Together, they aim to enhance EHEDG’s impact in promoting hygienic design across te global food industry. 

Advisory Board: Welcoming Representatives 

In addition to the Foundation Board, the EHEDG Advisory Board has welcomed two newly elected members who will represent critical sectors within the food industry: 

• Johnson Alao, Maintenance and Hygienic Engineering Lead at Nestlé, will represent food-producing companies. Johnson’s experience in ensuring food safety and operational excellence makes him a valuable voice for EHEDG members in this sector.
• Steve Arnold, Food Standards Manager EU & US at SMC, will represent equipment and system suppliers. Steve’s expertise in food standards and his commitment to promoting hygienic solutions will further strengthen EHEDG’s reach and impact. 

The new members will join the existing Advisory Board, which includes: 

• James Hartley (Mondelez)
• Bastian Tolle (GEA)
• Debra Smith (Vikan)
• Dean Scopes (Tetra Pak) 

This experienced team of experts will work closely with the EHEDG Head Office to represent members’ interests globally. Their collaborative efforts will drive innovation, promote best practices, and advance hygienic engineering and design worldwide. 

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Candidates 

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the candidates who participated in the EHEDG Elections 2024. Your dedication, time, and willingness to contribute to EHEDG’s mission are deeply appreciated. It is through your commitment and expertise that EHEDG continues to grow as a leading force in food safety and hygienic design. We would like to also thank all the EHEDG members that participated in the elections by casting their vote.  

Looking Ahead

Building on what we have already accomplished, we are sure we will further sharpen our strategic direction with your support, as well as strengthen our existing partnerships and forge new ones - in a future marked by innovation and a growing emphasis on sustainability. 

We congratulate all the newly elected board members and look forward to their valuable contributions over the next four years!