Freelancer profile translated to English.

Description

Stefaan Parmentier is an experienced leader with an impressive track record in international business development, sales, and marketing, primarily within the food sector, but also in the pharmaceutical and lifestyle sectors. He combines strategic insight with operational expertise, gained in various leadership roles at prominent companies such as Libeert, Baronie Belgium, and Sylphar.

With over 25 years of experience in both brand and private label strategies, Stefaan specializes in market analysis, pricing, and the successful development of new markets, including North America, DACH, BENELUX, and the UK. He has a proven track record in setting up sales models, professionalizing commercial teams, and managing major clients such as Walmart, Tesco, and Wholefoods Market.

Within his professional career, he is the founder of SPA Consult, a consultancy focused on executive coaching and change management. Stefaan is multilingual (Dutch, French, English, German, and Italian), which makes him a valuable asset in international business environments.

His leadership is characterized by a results-oriented approach, innovation, and building strong teams that contribute to sustainable growth.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

Dutch
Native or bilingual
French
Fluent
English
Fluent
German
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Spanish
Basic

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

Kortrijk (up to 50km), Gent (up to 40km), Brugge (up to 30km), Antwerpen (up to 30km), Brussel (up to 30km)

Libeert Chocolate Creators
Business Development Director
AGRICULTURE
April 2023 - Today (3 years and 2 months)
Comines, Belgium
Leading Belgian chocolate producer specializing in the production, marketing, and sale of hollow chocolate figures for the Sinterklaas season (BENELUX), Christmas season (other countries), and Easter season (all countries), primarily under its own 'Libeert' brand. Additionally, specializes in the production and sale of highly sustainable premium chocolate tablets, mainly under private label.

In recent years, Libeert has also gone international, expanding sales to the UK, France, Germany, etc.
The next target was to approach the North American market (USA + Canada), where I was engaged on a part-time basis to thoroughly develop this market based on my extensive international expertise in the chocolate market.
Managed 2 people in inside sales.
NOBSCOT/ALLINOX
Business Unit Director
LUXURY GOODS
December 2021 - May 2024 (2 years and 5 months)
Oostroozebeke, WV, Belgium
Leading Loyalty player specializing in the development of customized loyalty programs (savings campaigns) with contemporary and innovative high-quality products. Retailers across Europe benefit not only from attractive advantages but also from a full service where everything is delivered ready-to-use. Nobscot is part of the Allinox Group (cookware).

In this role, I succeeded the CEO who moved to the US. As Nobscot was integrated as a Business Unit into the Allinox Group, the title was adjusted accordingly. Managed 12 people across various departments.
BARONIE BELGIUM N.V.
International Sales Director
AGRICULTURE
January 2018 - December 2021 (3 years and 11 months)
Bruges, WV, Belgium
Baronie Group has 8 production units in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK. Recent acquisition of France's largest chocolate group, Cémoi. Also affiliated with the Belgian Ice Cream Group (BIG = IJsboerke).

Ultimately responsible for all Group Sales in the North American and Eastern European markets, including the global Travel Retail channel. Key achievements:
• Successful launches in Walmart USA and Canada. Becoming an 'established' supplier to Walmart.
• Professionalization and establishment of a specific Business Model for the USA market.