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C. Kersten en Co. N.V. was founded in 1768 and is one of the most diversified companies in Suriname with 15 commercial activities divided over 6 divisions. As one of the oldest trade companies in the Western Hemisphere, Kersten has always been able to pride itself upon the trust of the community.
With the highest moral and social standards as it’s foundation, Kersten has developed into a group of companies with a clear vision for the future. The Kersten Group consists of operating companies, which are limited liability enterprises with approximately 900 employees and experience in industrial equipment, building & construction, trade, hospitality, car sales, distribution. As of 2022 also in the energy sector. Kersten has developed strong ties with the community of Suriname throughout their long history and is committed to create sustainable long term value for their customers, employees and shareholders. The shareholders of Kersten are the MCF BE B.V and Foundation for Asset Management Moravian Church Suriname (FAMM).
Mr. Michael Kembel – Chairman
Mr. Rob Zuiverloon – Member
Mr. Hugo Fernandes Mendes – Member
Mrs. Nonhlanhla Nkosi – Member
Mrs. Shirlene Nibbs – Member
Mr. Jan Křivka – Member
Mr. Henri Henar – Member
Mr. Vishal Jadnanansing – Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Imani van Klaveren – Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Kurt van Essen – Chief Commercial Officer
Kersten provides businesses in Suriname and in the region with modern and novel products and services to improve their operations across its six divisions, Motors & Industrial equipment, Building & Construction, Distribution, Hospitality, Services and Energy.
Kersten, with its rich history, is a trustworthy partner, developing sustainable and mutually beneficial relations with customers, employees and other stakeholders and aims for preservation of nature.
“We believe in contributing to the well-being of employees, clients, community and other stakeholders. We daily challenge ourselves in creating a healthy, safe and pleasant work environment to achieve and deliver quality in all that we do.”
“We believe in enhancing and creating synergies by working together as a team. We are team players and demonstrate both leadership and professionalism. We motivate and encourage each other by always being accountable, supportive and respectful.”
“We believe in continuous and sustainable improvement of our businesses by stimulating a culture of creative thinking, strategic focus and by seeking new opportunities.”
“We believe in and will reward excellent performance resulting in high quality products and services. We create shareholder’s value by focusing on profitability and by delivering excellence in our products and services.”
“We believe in honesty and trustworthiness by doing what we say and saying what we do. Based on moral principles, we promise each other, our shareholders, partners and customers to be transparent and truthful.”
1768: establishment of Kersten.
Christoph Kersten, finances his missionary work through commercial activities. Albert Helman: “It was a commonplace means to achieve an exalted purpose.” (Business, mission and meditation, 1968)
In the following 100 years Kersten established community driven companies such as a bakery, various stores (book, furniture), etc.
Plays key role in development
of Suriname by combining
entrepeneurship with CSR
International product portfolio expansion (CAT,
Massey Ferguson, Mitsubishi, etc.)
Entry into new sectors (Mining, Automotive, Hospitality, Health Care, B&C, Distribution)
Further expansion international product portfolio (Popeyes, Toyota, Bayer, Mitsubishi Electric, Nipro, DAF, TRP, Ironman 4×4, Elphinstone etc.) Joint Operation Argos (Colombia), Collaboration Jolly Group (ABC islands),
new GPC Inc. Guyana)
20% Shareholder Finabank N.V.
Opening new CAT Facility (2015), Surmac French Guyana (2016).
Opportunities:
Other sectors (Oil & Gas, Marine etc.),
New Markets (French Guyana, Guyana, ABC Islands, Trinidad & Tobago etc.)
Licence agreement Radisson Hotel Group
Energy:
• Kersten Training Academy: OPITO Certified Training Center and provider of other industry related (safety) education and training programs.
• Kersten Environmental Services: Joint Operation with Oilmop Environmental Services Ltd. from Trinidad & Tobago.
Services:
• Establishment Kersten Insurance Broker N.V.
Joint operation with Navigator Insurance Consultants N.V.
10.09% Shareholder Hakrinbank N.V.
50% Shares in Commewijne Port Facility N.V.
Strong governance forms the foundation of effective management within the Kersten Group, serving as a strategic pillar that ensures regulatory compliance while fostering sustainability, growth, and the long-term vision of our group of companies.
To uphold these principles, the Kersten Group is committed to maintaining a governance structure that promotes transparency, integrity, and responsible decision-making. This approach not only safeguards the Group’s interests but also builds trust with stakeholders and supports sustainable value creation.
To enhance oversight, the Supervisory Board of C. Kersten en Co. N.V. has established the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Remuneration & Nomination Committee. These committees play a crucial role in maintaining governance standards and ensuring accountability.
Our governance policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with the latest regulatory requirements and international best practices.
To further strengthen the effectiveness of our corporate
governance framework, the Kersten Group has fully implemented the Code of
Conduct and the Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure. These policies are
integral to the onboarding process, requiring new employees to review and sign
off. Quarterly reports from our group of companies emphasize the importance of
these policies and ensure their integration into daily operations. The Legal
& Corporate Governance Department continuously monitors these policies to drive
improvements and enhance the overall governance framework.
The mark of a choice well made
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