RANDERS, Denmark – Niels Mikkelsen, Danish Crown chairman of the board of directors for the past 25 years, is handing over the reins of the international food group to the next generation. During the past 16 years, he was chairman of both Danish Crown and Vestjyske Slagterier.

The board of directors unanimously named Erik Bredholt, deputy chairman, as Mikkelsen’s successor. His formal appointment will take place Dec. 22 in conjunction with this year’s board elections.

During Mikkelsen’s tenure, Danish Crown has evolved from being a sizeable slaughterhouse to becoming one of Europe’s leading food companies. Mikkelsen has devoted himself to improving Danish primary production. During the past two years, he has presented solid results.

“Today, Danish Crown is a robust business,” he said. “Our international competitiveness is the strongest ever, and after 25 years in the chair it is an appropriate time for me to hand over the role to someone else.”