Previously occupying a similar role in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kokke now has overall responsibility for all aspects for this region. His predecessor, Jeff Laurent, has retired, following 33 years working for Ingredion and its legacy companies.
In Asia-Pacific, Ingredion provides functional ingredients, including nature-based starches, sweeteners and nutritional ingredients, to the food industry.
In a statement, Kokke said the opportunities for Ingredion in the region are immense.
“The diversity of food cultures, eating habits and consumer requirements in a region as vast and ever-changing as [Asia-Pacific] provide real opportunities for our customers to produce great tasting foods and drinks. And we are incredibly well placed to assist them with innovative ingredients, product development expertise and deep, local consumer insights,” said Kokke.
Kokke joined Ingredion in 2009 in his EMEA role. Prior to that, he served as vice-president at CSM with responsibility for the global Purac food and nutrition business, based in both the Netherlands and Chicago, USA.
Between 1994 and 2005, he held a variety of roles in sales, marketing, and general management in the Loders Croklaan Group, living in both Europe and the United States.