Nikeisha van Sleeuwen appointed new chro of dsm-firmenich
15-01-2026 Nikeisha van Sleeuwen will become the new chro of dsm-firmenich on April 1.
She will report directly to Dimitri de Vreeze (ceo) and be a member of the executive committee. In her new position, she will succeed Mieke van de Capelle, who is retiring after a decade at dsm-firmenich.
With the appointment of Van Sleeuwen, dsm-firmenich is opting for continuity from within its own ranks. Nikeisha (Nikki) van Sleeuwen currently serves as svp Talent & Culture and Global Rewards at dsm-firmenich. She has a long history with the company, having joined nearly 20 years ago. During that time, she has held various hr leadership roles in both Europe and the United States. She was previously svp hr for the Animal Nutrition & Health division, where she was responsible for organizational transformation and growth. She obtained her academic qualifications at Ramapo College of New Jersey and Cornell ILR.
Mieke Van de Capelle will leave the company on March 31, 2026. Over the past decade, she has shaped the HR strategy during major transformations, including the merger between dsm and firmenich. Under her leadership, the hr organization was modernized and the focus on employee engagement was increased. Van de Capelle is described by De Vreeze as a “fundamental leader” who leaves behind a strong foundation for the future.
Regarding Nikki's appointment and Mieke's retirement, Dimitri de Vreeze says: "I am delighted to welcome Nikki to the Executive Committee. She is an exceptional leader who has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive engagement, strengthen inclusion, and develop impactful strategies to grow talent at dsm-firmenich. I am also very grateful to Mieke. Her legacy is one of professional excellence and deep care for all our colleagues. Thanks to her strong focus on succession planning, we are able to appoint such an outstanding internal successor, allowing us to build consistency as we shape the future of our organization."