Fairphone: Raymond van Eck made new CEO
Ethical tech brand Fairphone has appointed Raymond van Eck as its new CEO.
Fairphone makes smartphones with a goal to solve the challenges in the electronics supply chain and hopes to inspire others to look at social and environmental solutions. Looking ahead to 2040, the brand hopes to see a more eco-conscious approach - like Fairphones - to be more common practice. Raymond van Eck will be leading the charge.
Raymond has experience from across the utilities sector, where he has grown his commercial acumen, strategic vision and a strong dedication to sustainability. He succeeds Reinier Hendriks and will formally take on the role on 31st August.
Fairphone’s vision for durable and ethical smartphones
Fairphone aims to make devices designed to last with recycled materials, ensuring future devices are designed for even better durability, repairability and eventual recycling with its Fair Materials Sourcing Roadmap.
Fairphone research shows that 75% of the emissions associated with a smartphone occur during production, which means that the most efficient way to reduce the emissions caused by smartphones is to produce less phones. The way to achieve this is to use the phones we already have for as long as possible.
Fairphone believes that repairability is key to achieving longevity in a smartphone, with their latest model, Fairphone 4, coming with a five-year warranty and can be opened without tools. Its modular design means users can remove and exchange eight different parts only using a screwdriver and the device is easier to recycle once it has really reached the end of its life.
While Fairphone is realistic in understanding that it will not likely outsell huge competitors any time soon, the company wants to demonstrate that there is a market for ethical electronics and a better way of doing business - something which Raymond is ready to take on.
Raymond has 20 years of international experience in the utilities sector, as well as in the online marketing services industry. He’s held leadership roles at Youvia (De Telefoongids/Gouden Gids), Powerpeers, easyEnergy.com, hoyhoy.nl (BGL Group) and Nuon/Vattenfall.
In these positions, he demonstrated broad capabilities from digital transformation to revenue generation. While CEO at Youvia, Raymond successfully led digital transformation efforts, improving its customer loyalty score.
Raymond joins Fairphone in a year the company has been recognized for its unique achievements in the electronics industry.
In February, Fairphone received the prestigious GLOMO award for Best Mobile Innovation for Climate Action at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, followed by the highly-regarded Dutch Koning Willem I award in the Sustainable Entrepreneurship category in May.
Fairphone welcomes Raymond van Eck to drive smartphone strategy
Eelco Blok, Chairman of Fairphone’s Supervisory Board, shared that the company was thrilled to welcome Raymond to the Fairphone team.
“His leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to change the smartphone industry and drive our strategic vision forward,” he said. “The Supervisory Board also thanks Reinier for leading the company during the last few months and laying the foundations for Fairphone to be successful in its next phase.”
Raymond van Eck is excited to join Fairphone at such a pivotal time.
“There is still considerable work to be done and I look forward to working with the talented, passionate Fairphone team to build on its strong foundation and deliver exceptional value to our customers, employees and shareholders. Let’s make a difference together!”
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