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Our team

BluePrint Automation is full of smart, driven people. Our team counts over 500 employees worldwide. We work hard and enjoy what we do!

BluePrint Automation BV

Martin Prakken
Martin Prakken
Owner & Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Prior to becoming Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Martin served 23 years as CEO of BluePrint Automation Group and 8 years as the President of the U.S. division. He introduced many innovations in automatic case packing that are widely used in the food Industry today. Martin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration at Nyenrode Business University (NL). He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), serving two terms.
Gijsbert Dezaire
Gijsbert Dezaire
CEO BluePrint Automation Group
Upon joining BPA as CEO from October 2023, Gijsbert was already member of the Supervisory Board and familiar with BPA. Gijsbert brings more than 20 years of MD/CEO experience to the company. He holds a Bachelor's degree of Nyenrode University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Leuven. Most recently, he finished an executive program at IMD Lausanne around digital strategy, transformation, and execution. Gijsbert's focus is to continue to build on our BluePrint difference, which is about a deeply embedded customer focus, true partnership, customized solutions, and delivering best service levels within the industry.
Elbert Griffioen
Elbert Griffioen
Managing Director (Co-leadership)

Elbert joined BluePrint Automation in 2001 as a Field Service Engineer, advancing through various technical and  leadership roles. In 2013 he became responsible for Service and After Sales. Since 2020, he has driven Innovation and Standardization as Technical Director. Elbert holds a bachelor’s in Engineering & Business Administration and a master’s in Business Administration (Nyenrode Business University).

As Managing Director in a co-leadership role with Kees Nijenhuis, Elbert is responsible for Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Technical departments, focusing on customer-centric innovation and seamless delivery of our solutions.

Kees Nijenhuis
Kees Nijenhuis
Managing Director (Co-leadership)

Kees Nijenhuis joined BluePrint Automation in 2018. Before joining BPA, he worked in the graphical equipment industry as Manager Operations (NL) and Vice President (US). Initially responsible for Operations, his role at BluePrint Automation expanded in 2020 to include Service. Kees holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Economics (HAN) and a master’s degree in Business Administration (Radboud University).

As Managing Director in a co-leadership role with Elbert Griffioen, Kees oversees Project Management, Operations, Service and HR, focusing on improving operational efficiency, enhancing service quality, and ensuring a productive work environment.

Kasper Tappel
Kasper Tappel
CFO BluePrint Automation Group

Kasper joined BluePrint Automation in 2016 with over 10 years of CFO experience in machine manufacturing and production. He has managed Finance & Control, HR, Legal, Facility, and IT, and represents BPA in China. Kasper holds a bachelor’s in Accountancy from Windesheim and a master’s in Economics from the University of Amsterdam.

As CFO of BPA Group, Kasper is responsible for Finance and IT worldwide, focusing on strengthening financial performance, optimizing IT infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Jos van Oekel
Jos van Oekel
Sales Director
Between 1989 and 1993, in our company’s early years, Jos van Oekel was responsible for developing the European market for BluePrint Automation. After that, he left us for a while, holding several positions at various companies in industries related to packaging. In 2015 he returned to the nest, by becoming the Sales Director at BluePrint Automation. His responsibilities include all global commercial activities, except for the separately managed Americas. Jos holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a BBA at Nyenrode Business University.

BluePrint Automation Inc.

Gijsbert Dezaire
Gijsbert Dezaire
CEO BluePrint Automation Group
Upon joining BPA as CEO from October 2023, Gijsbert was already member of the Supervisory Board and familiar with BPA. Gijsbert brings more than 20 years of MD/CEO experience to the company. He holds a Bachelor's degree of Nyenrode University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Leuven. Most recently, he finished an executive program at IMD Lausanne around digital strategy, transformation, and execution. Gijsbert's focus is to continue to build on our BluePrint difference, which is about a deeply embedded customer focus, true partnership, customized solutions, and delivering best service levels within the industry.
Kasper Tappel
Kasper Tappel
CFO BluePrint Automation Group

Kasper joined BluePrint Automation in 2016 with over 10 years of CFO experience in machine manufacturing and production. He has managed Finance & Control, HR, Legal, Facility, and IT, and represents BPA in China. Kasper holds a bachelor’s in Accountancy from Windesheim and a master’s in Economics from the University of Amsterdam.

As CFO of BPA Group, Kasper is responsible for Finance and IT worldwide, focusing on strengthening financial performance, optimizing IT infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Mario Pino
Mario Pino
VP Sales Latin America
Mario Pino joined BluePrint Automation in February 2020.  Having worked for several top packaging companies, MarioPino, as he is known in LAM by most customers and friends, is a well‐known professional in the processing and packaging industry in Latin America (LAM).  Mario loves LAM and he enjoys helping companies improve their packaging lines. Most importantly, Mario is always focused on his customer’s needs and builds long lasting relationships with customers. He does what it takes to make a difference for everyone around him.
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
VP Service and Aftermarket
Mark A Thompson joined BluePrint Automation Inc. in 2018 as the Service Manager.  In his current role as VP Service and Aftermarket, he is responsible for the Service and Aftermarket business for both North and South America. Mark has 12+ years of experience in automation, controls, and customer service. His previous experience as a Field Service Engineer for a Fortune 500 automation company, Vice President for a system integrator, and President/Founder of a successful Automation and Controls business has allowed him to develop and grow the Service and Aftermarket business for BPA.  He graduated top of his class from VECAP and Rockwell Automation’s Field Service Program. Mark also holds a Master Electrical License in the state of Virginia.  
Andre Boom
Andre Boom
President
Andre Boom joined BluePrint Automation, Inc. in 2018. He is responsible for Sales in the Americas, Engineering, Manufacturing and Service for both Blueprint Automation (BPA) in Richmond, VA and Blueprint Robotics (BPR) in Longmont, CO. Andre spent the last 25+ years in progressive roles with leading snack food manufacturers such as Snyder's-Lance, Pinnacle Foods, Frito Lay and Quaker Oats. In these roles he has gained a significant amount of experience in both business management and food related processes on the processing and packaging sides. Andre holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Amsterdam and an MBA in Accounting and Business Management from William Woods University.