On 1 January 2016, Van Arendonk (56) will become head of R&D and a member of the management team at Hendrix Genetics, one of the world’s leading animal breeding companies. ‘A fantastic challenge,’ says Van Arendonk. ‘I remain fascinated by the field of breeding and genetics. This is the perfect opportunity to continue working in my field, not as a professor inspiring new ideas but through the application of scientific knowledge.’ Van Arendonk already knew Hendrix Genetics well as one of the companies behind Breed4Food, the joint research venture between his group and four breeding companies.
Were you done as a professor?
‘You’re never done as a professor, but I’ve always had another task as well ever since I became professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics in 2001. Early on, I was the director of the WIAS graduate school and I spent the last five years as Dean of Science. I reviewed my situation last year and decided that a link with my field of study is crucial for me. I then asked for the appointment as Dean of Science to be renewed for only one year rather than four.’
We thought you were going to be the new rector…’
I’m pleased to see my name mentioned as a potential successor to Martin Kropff; I see that as a sign of appreciation. It’s a great job at a wonderful institution but it would mean me having to abandon my discipline. You can’t be the rector and still be actively involved in your field so that was not an option.’
How did you get your new job?
‘I knew Hendrix Genetics was looking for someone to take over the job of R&D director. When I was talking to them last autumn, I let drop that I might be an option. Then I heard nothing for ages, but in the new year we started discussing the job and on Good Friday we reached an agreement. I’ve got a really good feeling about it. Hendrix Genetics is a global player in the field of animal breeding with a lot of foreign branches and a lot of knowledge. In my new job, I will spend one week a month abroad talking to the R&D people and customers there. Dutch companies have an incredibly strong position in the global breeding business. I hope to help consolidate that position and also make livestock farming around the world more sustainable.’
Johan van Arendonk graduated in Animal Sciences at Wageningen in 1982. Three years later, he received his doctorate from the university with distinction. He then joined the Animal Breeding department, and in 2001 he became professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics. He has published more than 300 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals, has been cited almost 7000 times and has supervised 74 PhD candidates.