On 1 October 2012, Mr. Hendrik Deruyck will take over management of Balta Group, a major European producer of floor coverings. He replaces former CEO Jules Noten, who left the company in August to pursue new challenges.

With a 25 year service record, Hendrik Deruyck is very well acquainted with the Balta Group. He contributed to the growth and knows the company, its employees and the industry through and through.

Hendrik Deruyck was  born  in  1951  and  graduated  in  1973  with  a  Master's  degree  in  Applied Economics. During the next three years, he worked at Arthur Anderson as a Senior Auditor. He then joined  Balta  Group  as  financial  and  administrative  director of  the  ITC  department and  further developed his  skills in planning and production, and in 1984 he became the CEO of the company. Finally, in 1997, he established the IVC department. In 2001, Mr. Deruyck left Balta Group and bought into Jaritex bedding where he achieved good results. After this successful turn‐around, he sold his share in the company.

Hendrik Deruyck is pleased to be returning to the company where he started his career at 25 years of age and says, "This was not exactly in my plans when I left the company in 2001 to pursue other interests. However, since I feel a close, personal involvement with the company, I welcome this new career direction with open arms. My task will consist of safely guiding the company through the turbulent times the carpet industry is experiencing today caused by uncertain economic conditions and rising competition from low wage countries."

Julian Huxtable, Chairman of Balta and Senior Principal of majority shareholder Doughty Hanson adds: “We welcome Hendrik as the new Chief Executive. He has an unrivalled knowledge and track record in the textile flooring market. All of  the board and management team look forward to working with Hendrik to  further build on Balta's strong, market leading position in the European flooring market. The board is appreciative of Carl Verstraelen’s able handling of the acting Chief Executive role which he has recently fulfilled.  He will be returning to his previous role of CFO of the group.”