PRESS RELEASE 14.04.2026
Personnel News: REPLOID appoints Paul van der Raad as Director of Global Petfood; Business Development team further strengthened
WELS, Austria – April 13, 2026 – REPLOID Group AG (“REPLOID”) welcomes additional three highly-experienced senior managers.
Philip Pauer, CEO and founder of REPLOID, commented: “Once again, we have succeeded in attracting highly talented and experienced leaders to REPLOID. I am confident that, with these three new additions, we will drive our dynamic expansion forward in a smart and focused way.”
Paul van der Raad has joined the Group as Director of Global Petfood
Paul van der Raad brings nearly 30 years of international experience in the pet industry. The former Global Director of Protix BV’s pet division has extensive senior leadership experience, including CEO and board-level roles in several pet food companies. During his career, he has worked across private label, branded products, ingredients, strategy, growth, and global business development. Paul van der Raad holds a degree in International Management from Haarlem Business School and has both Danish and Dutch citizenship.
At REPLOID, he will support the further development of the Group’s global pet activities, with a focus on functional and sustainable pet solutions, ingredients, brands, strategic partnerships, retailer and producer relationships, and profitable growth across the value chain. Paul will also contribute to strengthening REPLOID’s position in circular pet solutions by helping translate innovative and sustainable concepts into commercially relevant market opportunities.
Business Development team strengthened with Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann and Maurice Brenninkmeijer
Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann, Head of Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, and Maurice Brenninkmeijer, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, further strengthen the International Sales & Business Development team led by Andrew Bernard.
With more than 12 years of experience, Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann is a pioneer and industry leader in insect farming. For more than five of those years, he was head of business development for the renowned Big Dutchman Group, a leading systems supplier for industrial insect farms. Lars holds a PhD in biology from the University of Reading.
Maurice Brenninkmeijer is a proven leader in global business development and partnerships, most recently at Protix BV, where he shaped and executed international expansion strategies, including joint ventures and strategic alliances. Maurice holds an Executive MBA from IMD (Switzerland) and has completed advanced sustainability training at the University of Cambridge, combining business leadership with a strong interest in sustainability and circularity.
About REPLOID GROUP AG
REPLOID Group AG (“REPLOID”) produces premium proteins, lipids, and organic fertilizers derived from black soldier fly farming. At the REPLOID ReFarmUnits, rearing facilities built for its customers, young larvae supplied by REPLOID are fed customized blends of residual materials sourced from local food supply chains. Once mature, the larvae are collected by REPLOID for centralized processing and marketing.
Through large-scale industrial upcycling, REPLOID offers an economically viable and sustainable solution to advance the circular economy. The Group’s business model enables efficient valorization of food residues and surplus food resources, sustainably supporting the preservation of vital natural resources.
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Wels, Austria, REPLOID Group AG maintains a global focus and has been listed since July 2025 on the Vienna Stock Exchange’s direct market plus segment (ticker: HRX5). The Group has approximately 80 employees.
Contact for inquiries
Mag. Hans Lang | Director Group Communications | +43 660 693 45 63 | presse@reploid.eu