Desso, a leading carpets and sport pitches company (part of Tarkett), today announced the appointment of Roland Jonkhoff (46) as Managing Director of Desso. Formerly, a divisional Managing Director at Desso, Jonkhoff is now responsible for the complete management of the Desso business and carpet activities within Tarkett EMEA.
End of December 2014, Desso was acquired by Tarkett, a global leader in flooring and sports surfaces solutions. The two companies share the same vision and entrepreneurial values, as well as a strong commitment to sustainability, both applying Cradle to Cradle® principles at each step of the product’s life cycle and supporting the transition towards the circular economy.
In addition to his new role at Desso, Jonkhoff will also hold the position of Vice President Carpet (EMEA) within the Tarkett organisation.
Jonkhoff has many years of commercial sales, marketing and leadership experience at a number of organisations including Transavia Airlines, Bolidt Synthetic Applications and the Vita Group, a producer of cellular foams and industrial polymers. In 2008, he joined Desso as Managing Director of the HMA (Hospitality, Marine, Aviation) division. In 2012, Jonkhoff was given the additional responsibilities of Global Strategic Accounts, Customer Services and the Dutch commercial contract business.
Jonkhoff will maintain Desso’s commitment to implementing Cradle to Cradle® design and the transition towards the circular economy, along with its other innovation drivers of creativity and functionality, all whilst contributing to the company’s vision to make the floor work for people’s health and well-being.
“I am obviously thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead Desso within Tarkett. I am excited about the combined potential for future growth and success of the two companies, knowing that we can build on the continued commitment and creativity of our employees and other stakeholders,” says Jonkhoff.
About DESSO®
Desso, a Tarkett company, is a leading carpets, carpet tiles and sport pitches business, active in more than 100 countries. Its products are supplied to corporate offices, education, healthcare, government, homes and also hotels, cruise liners, airlines and premier football clubs. Desso’s mission is to develop unique products that deliver a much improved indoor environment, helping to maximise people’s health and wellbeing. This is driven by the company’s innovation programme based on the three pillars of Creativity, Functionality and Cradle to Cradle® design which underpins the shift to the regenerative circular economy. www.desso.com
About Tarkett
Tarkett is a global leader in innovative and sustainable solutions for flooring and sports surfaces. With a wide range of products including vinyl, linoleum, carpet, rubber, wood & laminate, synthetic turf and athletic tracks, the Group serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. With 12,000 employees and 34 industrial sites, Tarkett sells 1.3 million square meters of flooring every day for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields. Committed to sustainable development, the Group has implemented an eco-innovation strategy and promotes the shift to the circular economy. Tarkett’s net sales of 2.4 billion euros in 2014 are balanced between Europe, North America and the region comprising CIS countries, APAC & LATAM. Tarkett is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker TKTT, ISIN: FR0004188670) and is included in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid & Small, CAC All-Tradable www.tarkett.com.