HAPERT, The Netherlands—Apex International, a global leader in anilox, metering, and embossing solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Ruud van Cuijk as the new CEO. Ruud has played an integral role in the executive leadership team at Apex International for the past 10 years and will move into the company’s CEO position—effective May 1, 2023. Ruud will succeed Marian Waterschoot, who will remain with the company as the new director of Apex Embossing bV.
Van Cuijk was born and raised in the South of the Netherlands, with humble roots and a strong work ethic. The new CEO holds a master’s degree in international business from Tilburg University, and a master’s degree in finance and control from TIAS Business School. He began his leadership career in the banking industry as an international management trainee and held various leadership roles within retail banking. In 2010, he joined the largest Dutch organization for labor market participation, leading more than 800 employees as business unit manager.
Van Cuijk joined Apex International in 2012 as group controller, leading the financial unit with diligence and strategy. In 2018, he was appointed CFO. Two years later, he was promoted to managing director of Apex North America, and again, promoted to managing director of Apex Europe in 2022. His results-driven approach and action-oriented leadership style make him a great asset as CEO of Apex International. In this role, Van Cuijk will lead the organization in their mission and vision of additional acquisitions and developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges for customers around the globe.
In his personal time, Van Cuijk is a humble family man, enjoying life, nature and endurance sports, including chasing after his two energetic children, Niek and Loïs, with his beloved wife Meike.
“Over the last decade, Ruud has continuously proven he is a man of diligence, strategy, integrity, and action. We are confident he will lead Apex International into our next level of success, while keeping our customers’ goals and needs top of mind through every decision,” states Ken Ralton, chairman of Apex International.
“As the newly appointed CEO of Apex International, I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of professionals. Our buy-and-build strategy, which focuses on recovery, expansion, and sustainable customer solutions, will be advanced through the perseverance and dedication of our employees and the inspiration of the Ralton family.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to former CEO Marian Waterschoot, who has built Apex into the world’s leading anilox and embossing company. As a member of her leadership team, I have seen her commitment to entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and international expansion. I will continue to embrace these same strategic pillars as we move forward.
“With a solid foundation, we will continue pushing the boundaries of high-end manufacturing, innovative solutions, and thoughtful risk-taking. You can trust that Apex will remain at the forefront of our industry, delivering excellence and results to the markets we serve around the globe,” Van Cuijk commented.