03/11/2020 16:45
Greenyard MAASEIK welcomes Raymond Cretskens as its new president
News from the clubs
Maaseik, Belgium, November 3, 2020. Back in March of this year, Greenyard MAASEIK had thoroughly planned the preparations for the change at the helm of their organisation. However, such a major event could not take place – with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic striking just at that time and overshadowing our lives ever since.
In the meantime, the change of guard at the Belgian Volleyball standout has taken place, officially this past August 20. It took place behind the scenes, without any sort of festivities and in a rather private atmosphere. Quite the opposite of how the prestigious club usually operates. The new President, however, accepted this with grace and much understanding.
Raymond Cretskens has already been a sponsor of Greenyard MAASEIK for a number of years through various businesses. Moreover, Raymond held other roles as well, originally within the Advisory Group and later in the Management Board. Thereafter, he became Vice-President and this year he made the logical step to become President.
In the trade press, you might find occasional interviews with Raymond Cretskens - who usually prefers to avoid the spotlight. His awe-inspiring biography shows the prototype of a self-made man, and it should be a must-read for any starting entrepreneur. It all started in the 80s in his father’s butchery in Rotem (Dilsen-Stokkem), which lies only a few kilometres south of Maaseik. Today he leads - together with his wife and his three daughters - a cluster of companies including some 20 Carrefour supermarkets, the Crelem Bakeries, the contractor company AKP Industriebouw, and some real estate companies as well. The Cretskens family business employs more than 800 people nowadays.
Raymond Cretskens is well aware that the management of a top sports club differs from his usual business activities. Therefore, he can also count on his Executive Board for the sport side of things. Throughout everything though, the key values of the Cretskens family’s success will shine. These are perseverance, common sense, seizing opportunities, motivation and, more than anything else - hard work. They will buzz through the club even more strongly in the coming years.
Greenyard MAASEIK is looking forward to the moment that its fans will be able to cheer on their team again. When that moment arrives, the club will not hesitate to put its new President in the spotlight and give him the exposure he deserves.
Speaking of competitions, after failing to progress to the pool stage of the elite CEV Champions League, the Belgian team will continue their European journey this season in the 16th Finals of the CEV Cup, playing home and away matches with CHAUMONT VB 52 of France later this month.
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