Jan Kriekels Steps Down from Jaga After 40 Years

After more than four decades at the helm of Jaga, a leading heating manufacturer, Jan Kriekels is stepping down from his role. The departure stems from a difference in vision regarding the company’s strategic priorities, according to new shareholders.

A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership

Jan Kriekels’s departure marks the end of an era for Jaga, a company he helped build alongside his father. While the exact nature of the strategic differences wasn’t detailed, the new shareholders emphasized their respect for Kriekels’s long career and exceptional contributions to the company [made-in.be].

Strategic Divergence

The decision follows a period where fundamental differences emerged in the execution of strategy and the prioritization of technology, economics, ecology, and design [TVL]. Jaga CEO Jan Battheu acknowledged that the decision wasn’t made lightly.

Focus on Future Growth

Battheu stated that the company’s priority remains the progress of Jaga and the well-being of its employees. The change in leadership is intended to allow Kriekels to pursue his passions at the intersection of art, climate, and technology [TVL]. Kriekels was no longer CEO but continued to serve as chairman and lead innovation efforts before his complete departure [p-magazine.com].

Jaga’s Recent Strategic Shifts

This leadership change occurs as Jaga undergoes other significant strategic shifts. In 2025, the company decided to close its factory in the Czech Republic and return production to its Diepenbeek facility in Belgium [VRT News]. This move is part of a broader focus on energy-efficient heat pump radiators.

Looking Ahead

Jan Kriekels’s departure signifies a turning point for Jaga. The company is now poised to focus on sustainable heating solutions and navigate a changing market landscape with a renewed strategic direction. Kriekels, meanwhile, will explore new avenues combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his interests in art, climate, and technology.