Auke Spaanderman appointed general manager of Palmo

Palmo is proud to announce the appointment of Auke Spaanderman as Managing Director. For many catering entrepreneurs Auke is a familiar face: in the past he had been active within Palmo for many years as a project consultant and involved in the realization of diverse, complex four-season terraces throughout the Netherlands.  

With his appointment, Palmo explicitly opts for focus, deepening and further growth within the hospitality market. With his return, Palmo not only brings back a familiar face, but also an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge of both the hospitality business and complex terrace projects.

Familiar face with broad hospitality experience

Auke Spaanderman knows Palmo from the inside. As a former Palmo project consultant, he guided hospitality entrepreneurs in the design and realization of high-quality terrace coverings, professional awnings to complete four-season solutions. His advice always centered on experience, efficiency and future-proofing.

For the past three years, Auke held a commercial role within another organization in the hospitality industry. In addition, he brings valuable practical experience as a hospitality manager. His background ensures that he understands both the technology of the Palmo products and the possibilities of the catering terrace, as well as the daily reality of the entrepreneur: occupancy rates, guest experience and turnover optimization.

Clear structure within CORNELS Group

Palmo is part of the CORNELS Group. This group includes the Dutch high-end brand CORNELS (luxury terrace roofs for the higher segment) and Palmo B.V.

Former director of Palmo, Cornelis Nieuwenhuis, will remain involved with Palmo in the background as CEO of the CORNELS Group. The full operational management of Palmo will be in the hands of Auke Spaanderman. Cornelis will focus specifically on the (further) international roll-out and positioning of the CORNELS brand. A clear division of roles.

Even more attention and support for customers

For customers, this development means concrete benefits. With Auke as general manager, Palmo gains a leader with in-depth product knowledge, hospitality experience and commercial insight, who manages the team on a daily basis and is close to the market.

Auke on his new role:
“The hospitality industry requires partners who think along on a strategic level. A terrace is not an afterthought; it is a full and profitable part of the operation. 

What motivates me is that we enable hospitality operators to get the most out of their terrace all year round and surprise their guests with an extraordinary experience.

I am extremely excited to take on this role. It feels like coming home to Palmo. I look forward to continuing to build together with the team AND to meeting many familiar customers and associates in person again.”

The full focus on Palmo allows the team to move faster, assist more intensively and advise business owners even more specifically on customized canopies, glass systems, awnings, patio heaters, lease constructions and permit processes.

Palmo thus continues to do what it is strong at: enabling hospitality operators to get the most out of their terraces all year round and surprise their guests with an extraordinary experience.