DSM Food Specialties is a global supplier of food enzymes, cultures, bio-preservation, hydrocolloids, taste and health ingredients. It generated €536m ($626.97m) in sales in 2016.
Niels has held several leadership roles across a number of regions and businesses for DSM, most recently as president DSM Resins & Functional Materials.
A Dutch national, Niels joined biotechnology company Gist-Brocades in 1991, and held several marketing, sales and management roles before the company was acquired by DSM in 1997.
He went on to build his career in increasingly senior roles within DSM, including leading DSM Coating Resins, DSM Desotech and latest DSM Resins & Functional Materials.
Haaijer, who has been president of DMS Food Specialities for two and a half years, has decided to continue her career outside DSM.
Helen Mets will succeed Niels as president DSM Resins & Functional Materials.