'Unexpected' Farewell to AGUs Peter Van Den Kommer

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – He himself had his farewell party planned for July 2. His partner Liesbeth (right on photo), his children, brother Jaap and AGU directors Patrick Ebbeling and Dirk De Boer had other ideas. Last Saturday they organized a spectacular surprise party for Peter Van Den Kommer after his 41 years of building AGU.

What was to be an executive dinner for eight, turned into a party that was attended by about 150 people. It showed that the secrecy had worked fine, although it was certainly not easy for the relatives of Peter van den Kommer. Especially since he was carefully planning his retirement party. Visits were made to appropriate locations; trial dinners held while the arrangements he made, were immediately canceled.

Where it all led to became clear last Saturday night when he unsuspectingly walked into a room of the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam with partner Liesbeth by his side. His surprise was complete, and after Liesbeth whispered a few things in his ear, the AGU director even became somewhat emotional at the sight of so many relatives, friends and relations.

It turned into a great night where speeches by brother Jaap, daughter Marie José and directors Patrick Ebbeling and Dirk De Boer looked back at Peters long career and many AGU staff members presented a personal farewell message in a film.

AGU executives Patrick Ebbeling and Dirk De Boer also looked back at Peters 41 years at AGU which during that period grew from 14 to 160 employees and market leadership within the sectors bags, clothing and rain gear. Ebbeling said, "Fortunately, you will not leave AGU completely after July 1 as we need your knowledge and experience for reference in the future. "De Boer added: "There is strong confidence for the future; we connect perfectly which is the basis for an excellent collaboration. Right now your office is renovated. We hope to see you there regularly."