Fred van Aken

Fred van Aken, Managing Partner at Conceptional and based in The Netherlands, is a seasoned foodservice executive, with more than 20 years of international industry experience.

As Franchise and Operational Director, he played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Burger King brand in Central and Eastern Europe. Subsequently, after a management buy-out in his role as CEO he took full responsibility and co-ownership of the Burger King brand in the Netherlands, leading the transformation of the business after the business was exited, after which he joined Conceptional in 2018.

Van Aken’s passion for developing and growing foodservice concepts continues to drive his work, as he provides expertise and support to international brands and operators. He is involved in projects ranging from new concept development placemaking to performance enhancement, business planning, concept growth and mergers and acquisitions.

Besides his role as Managing Partner, van Aken is also heading up several key strategic projects with clients on their transition towards an integrated food & beverage sustainability approach, both on airports, leisure parks and in the catering  and restaurant industry.