In a statement to the media today, MPOC said Bek-Neilsen would be well-versed with the challenges the industry faces given his extensive experience in the Malaysian palm oil sector.

He had also served on the MPOC board previously.

“In his new role as MPOC chairman, Bek-Neilsen will continue to focus on sustainability and social improvements in the Malaysian palm oil sector, ensuring that trade doors remain open for the world’s largest agri-commodity, as the industry moves towards its goal of producing sustainable palm oil,” it said.

In the same statement, MPOC CEO Belvinder Sron said Bek-Neilsen’s leadership and commitment to sustainability and social progress in the palm oil industry will help ensure that the global trading prospects remain open, and that sustainable practices remain at the forefront of the sector’s goals.

Bek-Neilsen is also a council member of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), a position he has held since 2005.

He served as an MPOC member from 2005 to 2020 as well as on the programme advisory committee to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board from 2008 to 2019.

In 2014, Bek-Neilsen was appointed co-chairman of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil board as a representative of the MPOA. He held the position for nine years before deciding not to seek re-election early this year.

Bek-Neilsen is also the consul-general of Denmark for Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur, as well as the consul of Denmark to Perak, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor and Terengganu.