ZWIJNDRECHT, the Netherlands, 10 October 2025 – At his official farewell reception on 9 October 2025, Peter Rietberg, former Chairman of the Management Board of Royal Van Leeuwen, was awarded a Royal Decoration. He has been appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. In the presence of more than one hundred guests, the Mayor of Zwijndrecht, Leon Anink, presented Mr. Rietberg with this honor at Van Leeuwen’s headquarters.

The decoration recognizes Mr. Rietberg’s long and distinguished career, as well as his wider contributions to society. Individuals appointed as Officers of the Order of Orange-Nassau have generally rendered outstanding service of national and international significance. Peter Rietberg stepped down as Chairman of the Management Board at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 9 April 2025, and remains associated with Royal Van Leeuwen as a shareholder.

In his speech, Mayor Anink praised Rietberg as "a man of vision and decisiveness, who builds bridges, inspires and connects." Anink: "Peter Rietberg is a resident and entrepreneur we are proud of. He is deeply committed. Not only to his employees, customers, and suppliers, but especially to the region and society, and the role a traditional family business should play in our society. This Royal Decoration is a great recognition of his work."

Speeches at the farewell reception were also delivered by Joop Sassen, current Chairman of the Management Board, and Ab van der Touw, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Mr. Sassen reflected on the milestones of Rietberg’s long career, while Mr. Van der Touw emphasized the strength of a family business.

Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Created on 4 April 1892, the Order of Orange-Nassau is conferred on people who have made a contribution of outstanding value to the community. Officer is the fourth class in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Individuals who are appointed as Officers have generally rendered outstanding service of national or even international importance.

Photos are available via this link.

Royal Van Leeuwen, Manager Corporate Communications, Ingrid den Hartog
E: cc@vanleeuwen.com, T: +31 78 625 23 32, M: +31 6 23 14 71 18