Profile Overview
Name: Philippe Vorst
Company: New York Pizza
Role: Co-Founder and Former CEO
Key Professional Achievements and Contributions
- Founding and Leadership:
Philippe Vorst is one of the co-founders of New York Pizza, established in 1993 in Amsterdam alongside Richard Abram and his brother, Max Vorst. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, marking its stature as a dominant player in the Dutch fast-food pizza market.
- Business Expansion and Milestones:
- 30-Year Anniversary: Celebrating 30 years of New York Pizza and its subsidiary, Euro Pizza Products, in 2023. This milestone was marked by the opening of the 300th store in the Netherlands.
- Euro Pizza Products: This arm of the business produced 85 million doughballs in 2023, supplying to customers in over 22 countries, highlighting its extensive reach.
- Geographical Expansion: Expansion efforts included openings in Germany and Belgium. Although faced with challenges in Germany, New York Pizza had 35 German stores by the end of 2023.
- Franchise Model and Market Penetration:
- Franchise Network: New York Pizza operates mainly through a franchise model, contributing to its extensive network of over 200 delivery and takeaway locations in the Netherlands. It also has ownership stakes in various pizza brands across Germany.
Business Strategy and Impact
- Strategic Alliances and Ownership:
- New York Pizza was acquired by Orkla in 2021, adding strategic value through integration with other European pizza companies under Orkla’s Consumer & Financial Investments.
- Innovative Approaches:
- The company remains dedicated to maintaining an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on creating high-quality, all-natural pizzas.
- Vorst advocated for continuous innovation and quality, evident from New York Pizza maintaining a diverse menu that includes pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.
Recent Developments
- Resignation from CEO Position:
- Philippe Vorst stepped down from his position as CEO on May 29, 2024. Debbie Klein succeeded him in this role.
- Recent Challenges:
- New York Pizza faced difficulties in expanding their operations in Germany, leading to the closure of some stores. However, the company remains committed to exploring new growth opportunities.
Public Sentiment and Community Engagement
- Community Recognition:
- Philippe Vorst has been acknowledged by peers and industry experts for his remarkable contributions to the franchise’s success. His tenure is characterized by positive sentiments and congratulatory messages from various stakeholders praising the company's journey and achievements.
Additional Roles
- Supervisory Role:
- Since 2016, Philippe Vorst has also served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board at S4D, an indication of his continued influence and leadership within the food service and franchising community.
Summary
Philippe Vorst is a strategic leader with a robust record of guiding New York Pizza from a single store to a thriving franchise with extensive European reach. Under his guidance, the company navigated market challenges, achieved notable expansion milestones, and maintained a strong commitment to product quality and innovation. His resignation marks a significant transition, positioning New York Pizza for its next phase of growth under new leadership.
