Long-serving executive Karl Hermans will succeed Frans Van Tilborg as CEO in January 2026 as the Turnhout-based coffee group prepares for its first leadership change in 15 years
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Fran Van Tilborg (left) and Karl Hermans | Photo credit: Miko Group
Miko Group has announced that CEO Frans Van Tilborg will be succeeded by Karl Hermans on 1 January 2026.
Hermans joined the Belgian coffee roaster, catering and vending services specialist in January 2007 as an Export Manager and served as Sales Director between 2011-2022. He has sat on Miko Group’s Board of Directors since 2010.
Van Tilborg joined Miko Group in 1992 and has served as Managing Director since 2000 and CEO since 2010. In a press release, Miko Group said Van Tilborg will remain active at the company after stepping down as CEO, primarily focusing on international operations. He will also retain his seat on the company’s Board of Directors.
“I have been working at Miko for almost four decades and have had a fantastic career here. I have thought about it for a long time and believe that it is now healthy to pass on the scepter to the next generation and let a breath of fresh air blow,” Van Tilborg said.
Founded in 1801, Miko Group operates across 11 European countries, as well as Australia. It produces and packages the Miko Koffie, Puro FairTrade Coffee, Grand Milano Coffee and Freehand Coffee Roasters brands. The group achieved 8% year-on-year sales growth in 2023 to reach €298.8m ($324m).