"Buitelaar’s impressive passion, growth & opportunity” brings vast experience, expertise and knowledge to the Pet Food team
In the past year we have been delighted to welcome Rahul Shukla, Head of Pet Treat Sales to our Dutch Pet Food office. With over a decade of international commercial experience within the pet and spice industries, he brings an abundance of knowledge and expertise to the team.
Joining us in a key point of substantial growth, Rahul’s extensive knowledge and industry passion will be central in building long term relationships with key industry stakeholders and be a pivotal cog in the continued development of our Netherlands-based Treats business.
We caught up with Rahul to find out more about his new role at Buitelaar Group and his cross-continental move from his family home in Mumbai to the Netherlands.
“Having joined a business with such a strong reputation for exciting and fast-paced growth, this role offered great opportunity to drive a treats business forwards.
It was the thorough understanding of the complete agricultural supply chain that gave great confidence to work with a business from farm to end user. Adding value to our own product and creating circular systems, I’m excited to work hand in hand with customers to develop and expand our treats offering.
This has not just been a change in workplace for me, but a move across the world for my family and I. One of the main differences I noticed, is undoubtedly the culture; everyone in the Dutch team has been so welcoming, people are happy to go out of their way to help you. We all feel like one big family which really helped me settle into my role with ease.”
What did you do as your first job and how did it help to shape you?
“My first job on leaving university was coding websites – this has helped to shape my career today and I still use the same techniques used then throughout day-to-day life now; breaking large tasks into smaller more achievable ones which aid in reaching bigger long-term goals, this has followed me throughout my career.”
What was it that attracted you to Buitelaar Group?
“They say that a businesses’ culture flows from the top and this was certainly the case when I first met Mike (Van Den Ende, Buitelaar N.L. MD) at a conference in Germany. I could instantly see the passion he has for the business and was blown away by the impressive growth and the opportunities available within the team – I knew from then this was the role for me.”
What is the best thing about working in the pet food industry?
The joy we bring to pets! We have two dogs in the office, Max and Nacho, and they bring so much happiness to the team as well as making the best taste testers for our delicious natural treat range!
What advice would you give to someone considering a career within the pet food industry?
“The pet food industry has continued to see growth year on year, making it a safe and secure industry to work in – if you’re looking for a fast paced and rewarding role then this is the career for you!”
With five generations of experience behind us, we pride ourselves as experts in bringing raw materials to both domestic and international pet food industries and truly understand the importance placed upon transparency, traceability, and quality.
It goes without saying that continued investment into our team is a key to our ongoing success and commitment to becoming a leading supplier of premium natural pet treats across the globe. We’re thrilled to see our Pet Treats business grow with such strength and experience behind it and look forward to a bright future with our passionate team across the Group.
