SkyNRG CEO, co-founder to step down
SkyNRG announced in September that its co-founder, Maarten van Dijk, has made the personal decision to step down as CEO Dec. 31.
Since co-founding SkyNRG in 2009, Van Dijk has, together with Theye Veen, led the company from an ambitious startup to a globally recognized leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Under his leadership, SkyNRG has helped create and develop the global SAF market, established a strong international presence, secured long-term customer relationships and developed a world-class project portfolio.
Van Dijk’s decision comes as SkyNRG enters its next phase of growth as it turns its ambition to become an owner and operator into reality.
Construction is underway on DSL-01, its first large-scale SAF production facility in the Netherlands.
At the same time, SkyNRG continues to advance its international project portfolio, through developing its own projects including Project SkyKraft in Sweden and Project Wigeon in the U.S., as well as through strategic merger-and-acquisition (M&A) opportunities.
Combined with the company’s growing commercial business and strong network of customers, partners and shareholders, SkyNRG’s activities transition from market development and project origination towards large-scale SAF production and operations.
As SkyNRG evolves from a pioneer in SAF into a producer and operator of SAF facilities, Van Dijk said he believes this is the right moment for a new leader to guide the company’s next chapter.
He will remain CEO until Dec. 31 and will support the company during the handover period through the first quarter of 2027.
The board has initiated the search for a successor and appointed leading executive search firm Egon Zehnder to support the process.
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step down as CEO of SkyNRG after more than 17 years leading and building the company,” Van Dijk said. “I believe this is the right time, both personally and for SkyNRG. SkyNRG is in a very strong position. We have an amazing team and very supportive shareholders. The start of construction on our first large-scale SAF production facility marks a major milestone and, together with our strong commercial business and international project portfolio, provides a solid foundation for future growth. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and I am deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, shareholders and everyone who has supported us along the way. Leading SkyNRG has been the greatest privilege of my professional life, and I am committed to supporting a smooth transition.”
Veen, the chief commercial officer and fellow co-founder of SkyNRG, added, “Maarten’s contribution to SkyNRG has been extraordinary. Together, we have built a company that has shaped the development of the SAF market while creating the distinctive culture that defines SkyNRG. I want to thank him for his leadership, his friendship and all the fun we have had over the years. Our focus remains firmly on advancing our project portfolio, supporting our customers and partners, and maintaining the strong momentum across the business.”
Kate Vidgen, SkyNRG’s board chair, said, “Maarten has played a defining role in building SkyNRG into the company it is today. He is an originator and a builder. The start of construction on SkyNRG’s first large-scale SAF production facility is a testament to his long-term vision and leadership, and to the capabilities and commitment of the entire organization. While we are sorry to see Maarten step down, we fully respect his personal decision and appreciate the thoughtful way in which he has approached it. The board shares his confidence in SkyNRG’s leadership team, strategy and long-term growth prospects. The board is committed to ensuring continuity throughout the transition and appointing a new CEO to lead SkyNRG into its next phase of growth.”
