Big Dutchman has unveiled that Clovis Rayzel, the president of Big Dutchman USA, will be retiring from his position, effective December 2025. He will be handing over the baton to Budd Bentley, who has been the president of the company’s subsidiary Prism Controls since 2020.
On behalf of its Board of Management, pig and poultry equipment supplier Big Dutchman has announced that the president of Big Dutchman USA, Clovis Rayzel, has decided to retire from his position, effective December of 2025. By that time, Rayzel, who is originally from Brazil, will have been with Big Dutchman for a total of 28 years, 20 of which leading the US unit.
CLOVIS RAYZEL
Clovis Rayzel retiring from Big Dutchman means that a highly deserving colleague leaves the company. Under his leadership, the US business of BD as well as Prism Controls grew enormously. “We are proud of this market position and thank Clovis for getting us there,” says Bernd Meerpohl, CEO of Big Dutchman.
Big Dutchman was founded in the US in 1938, and Big Dutchman USA currently generates around 17 per cent of the group’s turnover.
BUDD BENTLEY
Big Dutchman has shared that Budd Bentley has agreed to join Big Dutchman USA as its new president. Bentley studied mechanical engineering and holds a master’s degree in engineering management. He has occupied leadership positions in several industries for more than 25 years, both in the US and abroad. Since 2020, Bentley has been the president of Big Dutchman’s subsidiary Prism Controls, the market leader in control systems and technology in the US egg production sector.
The transition from Clovis Rayzel to Budd Bentley will take place from February 2025 through the end of the year, according to a specific timeline that will be shared with each department as that information becomes relevant. Rayzel has agreed to consider part-time engagements with the company after he hands the baton over to Bentley.
PRISM CONTROLS
Big Dutchman also announced that Eric Hansen will replace Budd Bentley as president of Prism Controls. Hansen has been with Prism Controls for more than 32 years, working in nearly every function of the organisation and currently holding the position of Director of New Product Development. The transition from Budd Bentley to Eric Hansen will also be gradual and will match the timeline outlined above.
