German plant-based food group Veganz has announced that its founder and current CEO, Jan Bredack, will be stepping down from the executive board on 30 September 2025.

Bredack will hand over his responsibilities to financial expert Rayan Tegtmeier, who brings more than 24 years of experience in forward-looking growth strategies, strategic planning, corporate leadership and P&L management across multinational companies.

Berlin-headquartered Veganz produces foods under a range of plant-based brands, including Happy Cheeze, Mililk and Peas on Earth. Its portfolio includes confectionery, snacks, dairy, cheese and meat alternatives.

Since founding the company in 2011, Bredack has transformed Veganz from a vegan supermarket chain into a producer of plant-based foods with an international footprint. In a statement, the company said Bredack has laid the groundwork for further dynamic expansion, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and a solid financial foundation.

He is departing to take on a new role as managing director of vertical farming company OrbiFarm, previously a Veganz business before the company sold it to a third party for €30 million in June. His new role will focus on food security, pharmaceutical supply, CO2 storage and the production of raw materials for the construction and clothing industries. Bredack will remain closely associated with Veganz as its largest shareholder.

Tegtmeier has successfully led businesses in over 35 countries, served as chief financial officer at Nu3 Group, and was an interim board member at OTI Greentech. He has also executed multiple buy-and-build strategies across the DACH region. His expertise spans business development, M&A, debt advisory, multi-family office management and the optimisation of international financial structures.

As a capital market expert, Tegtmeier will also enhance Veganz's investor relations strategy and broaden access to capital markets to create long-term shareholder value.

Outgoing CEO Bredack commented: “After nearly 15 years, this step is not easy for me as the founder. However, I am handing over the baton with great confidence, following the successful transformation of Veganz Group from a trading company into a food-tech company over the past two years.”

Tegtmeier said: “I am truly excited to take on this new challenge at Veganz – a company with innovative products, exceptional potential and the ideal conditions for profitable international growth”.

“Under my leadership, the focus will be on profitable scaling, efficient capital allocation, and both organic as well as inorganic business expansion. My goal is to advance the chosen path, tap into new growth markets and attract institutional investors – thereby helping to address what I believe is a significant undervaluation of the company's share price.”

Top image: Jan Bredack © Veganz