Change of CEO at Vlisco Group

Helmond, Dutch fashion and design company Vlisco Group has the intention to appoint David Suddens, chairman of the Advisory Board of Vlisco Group, as CEO, pending consultation with the Workers Council.

David Suddens brings 30 years of experience of Europe’s textile and clothing industry where he held numerous CEO positions. The Board is delighted to have the benefit of David Suddens’ experience and management skills which are ideally suited to Vlisco Group at this stage of the Group’s growth.

Hans Ouwendijk

Most recently he was CEO of the Dr Martens footwear brand, leading the successful turn around of that business.

The shareholders of the Vlisco Group and the former CEO of Vlisco Group, Hans Ouwendijk, have mutually agreed that Hans Ouwendijk will step down from his role. The Board would like to sincerely thank Mr. Ouwendijk for his contribution to the development of the Company and wish him every success with his future endeavors and challenges.

The Vlisco Group designs, produces and distributes fashion fabrics for the West and Central African market and African consumers in global metropolitan cities. Founded in Helmond, The Netherlands, in 1846, the Vlisco Group and their fabrics have grown into an essential part of African culture, receiving widespread attention from the art, design and fashion worlds.


Vlisco Group’s brand portfolio consists of 4 brands: Vlisco, Woodin, Uniwax and GTP. The company’s head office is located in Helmond as well as the design- and production facilities for the Vlisco brand. For the other brands these facilities are based in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

The Vlisco Group has 8 sales offices in numerous African countries and around 2,700 employees, (900 in The Netherlands and 1800 in Africa).