Founder of New York Pizza Philippe Vorst steps down, Debbie Klein new CEO
After 32 successful years, Philippe Vorst, the founder of New York Pizza, announces his retirement. From mid-August next, he will hand over leadership to Debbie Klein, who will become the new CEO of New York Pizza and Euro Pizza Products. Vorst remains involved in the company’s future as a member of the Supervisory Board and Supervisory Board of The European Pizza Company (TEPC). New York Pizza is a subsidiary of TEPC.
Since the creation of New York Pizza and Euro Pizza Products, the company has experienced tremendous growth. New York Pizza, with current annual sales of 220 million euros, has more than 325 stores in the Netherlands and Germany. Debbie Klein, the new CEO, will start in mid-August. Klein has extensive experience in the retail sector, with previous roles at Nike, Adidas, V&D, Karstadt, Beter Bed Benelux, Leen Bakker and most recently as CEO at Homefashion Group BV.
Philippe Vorst: ”The 32 years at New York Pizza have flown by. We are on track to achieve a record year for 2024 and with a new general manager, I see this as the perfect time for the handover. I leave New York Pizza in good health, with annual sales of 220 million euros and 14 years of continuous growth. Our wholesaler Euro Pizza Products is also doing well. I have every confidence in Debbie Klein and the great team to continue the growth of New York Pizza. The current management team has a combined 30 years of experience, and I am sure the New York Pizza culture will remain in good hands.”
Tommi Tervanen, CEO TEPC & Chairman of New York Pizza: ”Philippe Vorst has built New York Pizza, the largest Dutch pizza chain, all the way to the successful franchise model as it stands today. We are grateful to him for the pleasant cooperation and merits over the past years. His entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge are of great value to our organization, and we are pleased that he will remain involved as a member of our Supervisory Board of TEPC. We also welcome Debbie Klein as the new CEO of New York Pizza and Euro Pizza Products.”
Debbie Klein on her appointment as new CEO: ”I am excited to join New York Pizza and Euro Pizza Products and continue its growth. Philippe Vorst has built a great organization and I look forward to continuing to build this wonderful brand with the team. We will continue to focus on innovation, quality and customer satisfaction to strengthen our position.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tommi Tervanen, CEO, The European Pizza Company, tommi.tervanen@tepc.com
The European Pizza Company is a franchise company active in the pizza limited-service restaurant market, with leading local brands. Its brands include Kotipizza in Finland, New York Pizza in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as Da Grasso in Poland. Together, they operate more than 820 restaurants. In 2023, The European Pizza Company reported consumer sales of approximately EUR 435M and an EBIT (adj.) of EUR 23M.