AAE strengthens leadership structure and prepares for next phase of international growth
At AAE, we are taking the next step in our development as an international family-owned company. By strengthening our leadership structure, we are preparing our organization for further growth and for the continued development of AAE as a global group.
As of 1 July 2026, Manon Pijnenburg will assume the role of CEO of the AAE Group. After more than 20 years in various roles within our company, her appointment marks a natural next step in AAE’s long-term development. Manon will continue to build on the strong foundation created by her father and former owner, William Pijnenburg. A foundation to which she has actively contributed to recent years as part of our leadership team.
Manon succeeds Frank Mulders, following the succession plan that had previously been set in motion. Over the past decade, Frank has led AAE with great dedication and passion as CEO and Managing Director. We are pleased that he will remain actively involved in our organization as Managing Director of AAE Europe. In addition, he will take on the role of Vice President Global Operations within the Executive Team. From this position, Frank will continue to contribute to the further strengthening and international development of AAE in the years ahead.
In the coming period, we will also carefully prepare the future succession of the Managing Director Europe role internally. In doing so, we will focus strongly on continuity and on preserving the entrepreneurial culture that defines AAE.
With the appointment of Manon as CEO, AAE takes a natural and powerful step into the next phase of its development. International growth and continued evolution are central to this transition. We express our great appreciation for everything achieved under Frank Mulders’ leadership and have full confidence in the future under Manon’s guidance.
Organizing for the future
With the introduction of a renewed leadership structure, we are proactively organizing AAE for the next phase of international expansion.
Rather than simply responding to growth, we are deliberately building a structure that enables long-term scalability, stronger collaboration and clearer global alignment. Through the establishment of a Global Executive Team and an Executive Board, we are continuing to develop AAE as one strong international group, with clear direction and close cooperation across regions.
At the same time, we remain strongly connected to our customers through our local organizations in Europe, North America and, soon, Southeast Asia. This combination of local entrepreneurship and shared global strategy allows us to stay flexible, customer-focused and internationally scalable.
Leadership as a driving force
Alongside Manon Pijnenburg as CEO, the Executive Board of the AAE Group will consist of Leon Verweijen and Kurt Wils.
Leon Verweijen joined AAE as CFO on 1 January 2026. He brings more than 20 years of financial experience within the OEM semiconductor industry and will play an important role in supporting the continued professionalization and international growth of our organization.
Kurt Wils, who has been part of AAE for more than eight years, will continue in his role as CxO. In this position, he focuses on strategic domains that are essential to the future of our organization, including People & Digital Technology and Sustainability.
A new chapter built on trusted values
The appointment of Manon Pijnenburg marks a new chapter in AAE’s history as a second-generation family business. At the same time, it is a continuation of the values, strengths and entrepreneurial mindset that have shaped AAE for more than 50 years.
We continue to build an organization designed to last for generations: rooted in strong values, continuously developing and driven by the ambition to create a positive impact on the world each day through high-tech innovation.
AAE is part of my DNA. I grew up with the company and have now been working here for almost 25 years. It is very special to continue building on the foundation my father created. Not by holding on to the past, but by moving forward together with our people and customers toward the next phase of AAE — internationally growing, while always remaining close, entrepreneurial, and people-driven.
Ready for the next phase
This transition reflects our proactive approach to sustainable international growth and long-term continuity. By strengthening our leadership structure, we are creating the conditions to scale AAE further while maintaining the focus, agility and commitment that have always characterized our company.
For us, international growth goes hand in hand with staying close to our customers, our people and our partners. We believe that the strength of AAE lies in the balance between global collaboration and local entrepreneurship. That balance enables us to operate as one international group while preserving the ownership, responsibility and customer focus within our local organizations.
In the years ahead, we will continue to invest in leadership, innovation and organizational development. At the same time, we remain committed to safeguarding the culture that makes AAE who we are: entrepreneurial, professional, people-oriented and driven by long-term partnerships.
With this strengthened leadership structure, we are reinforcing our ambition to remain a future-oriented international technology partner. We are ready for the next phase of growth, while staying true to the values and culture that have defined AAE for more than five decades.
The past 10 years at AAE have been incredibly valuable to me. The combination of entrepreneurship and professionalism makes this a unique organization. I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to contributing to AAE’s further international growth in my new role. I have every confidence that under Manon’s leadership, AAE will continue this successful course.