SPAR Netherlands has appointed Ruud van Munster as its CEO to drive future success as John van der Ent steps down after seven years. 

The departure of van der Ent follows discussions with the Supervisory Board. 

SPAR Holding’s new management team will consist of Ruud van Munster alongside Tom Bussink, who assumed the role of chief financial officer (CFO) on 1 February 2025, complemented by Chantal de Rijk-Bex and Pim Dirckx.  

SPAR Holding supervisory board chairman John Kruijssen stated: “Under John’s leadership, SPAR Netherlands has experienced solid growth. His strategic choices and collaborative partnerships, including with EG Group for SPAR Express, have made a significant contribution to SPAR Netherlands’ development. We thank John for his efforts and dedication over the past years and wish him every success in his new activities.”  

SPAR Netherlands has taken the strategic decision to onboard a seasoned executive with a career across diverse retail landscapes.  

Van Munster's professional journey includes ten years in Shell's global retail division following his tenure at KPN/TNT Post.  

In 2018, he transitioned as managing director of Nederlandse Drogisterij Service (DA), strengthening the network of independent drugstores. 

He will take on his new role on 1 May 2025.

Ruud van Munster stated: “I am honoured to take over from John van der Ent and to continue the journey that SPAR Netherlands has been taking with its independent retailers and the team in Waalwijk. SPAR is a fantastic, long-standing Dutch brand with the potential to become even more successful, a future to which I would like to contribute.” 

The SPAR brand was established in the Netherlands in 1932. Its primary distribution centre serves licensed independent retailers across the country. 

In a study conducted by YouGov in 2024, SPAR Netherlands was identified as the top brand in the "on-the-move" category.