Berendsen most recently served as Vice President of Finance and Control at Royal Reesink; his expertise in financial leadership spans over 15 years. Other previous experience includes Senior Financial Controller at Hoogwegt International and more than eight years at KPMG, where he held a variety of roles, including Manager Audit.
He also previously spent three years at Symeres, beginning in the role of Group Financial Controller: this role was newly created. He was later appointed Senior Group Controller. During this time, he assisted in implementing various transformation programmes for the company, such as compliance initiatives and business continuity planning. Berendsen’s return to Symeres as CFO will be bolstered by his diverse experience in finance.
As CFO of Symeres, Berendsen will lead the company’s financial operations and help to drive financial resilience in its multiple international sites.
Berendsen said: “Returning to Symeres as CFO is an extremely exciting opportunity. Symeres has all the ingredients for long-term growth and success.”
He also added: “The tone at the top is vital, but equally important is how we translate that transparency and accountability across every customer interaction.”
Guillaume Jetten, CEO of Symeres, said: “Jurgen’s appointment comes at a critical moment for Symeres as we strengthen our operational and financial foundations to scale more effectively. He combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of our business and culture. His return brings continuity and a partner mindset that will benefit the whole organisation.”
Symeres is a leading mid-sized transatlantic Contract Research Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) for drug discovery and development operating across sites in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Finland and the US.
