Honoring 28 Years - President of Big Dutchman North America, Clovis Rayzel, Has Retired
We thank Clovis for his commitment to Big Dutchman over the years
December 23, 2025
After 28 years of service with Big Dutchman, the president of our North American region, Clovis Rayzel, has retired. Clovis, who is originally from Brazil, has been leading the North American unit as president for 20 years. Clovis will still be present at Big Dutchman, contributing part-time to certain projects and serving as our primary historian.
Clovis Rayzel
Under his leadership, the North American business unit, as well as Big Dutchman North America’s daughter company, Prism Controls, grew enormously. “We are proud of this market position and thank Clovis for getting us there,” says Head of the Big Dutchman Board, Bernd Meerpohl. Big Dutchman North America currently generates around 17% of the company’s total turnover.
Clovis began his Big Dutchman journey in our Latin America business unit as a Sales Manager. After accepting a promotion in Florida, he expected to spend only two years in the United States. But as time passed, he found that the U.S. felt like home. He eventually transitioned to our Holland, Michigan office, where he went on to serve as president.
Why did Clovis remain with Big Dutchman for so many years? Because he believed deeply in the company’s founding principles of doing the right thing. For him, Big Dutchman and the people who work here have always been committed to acting with integrity—both within the company and in how we serve our customers and future generations.
Budd Bentley
Big Dutchman is pleased to share that Budd Bentley has joined Big Dutchman North America as its new president. Budd studied mechanical engineering and holds a master’s degree in engineering management. He has occupied leadership positions in several industries for more than 25 years, both in the US and abroad. Since 2020, Budd has been the president of Prism Controls, the market leader in control systems and technology in the North American egg production sector.
Budd, Clovis, and the leadership team had been preparing for this transition for some time, ensuring a smooth handover and a clear understanding of what it means to lead Big Dutchman North America. Budd officially assumed the position of president on October 1st, while Clovis remained full-time until December 31st to support the transition and address any challenges that arise. Thanks to their commitment and careful planning, the transition has been efficient and well-coordinated for the entire team at Big Dutchman North America.
Clovis Rayzel, former president of Big Dutchman North America, and Budd Bentley, current president of Big Dutchman North America
Prism Controls
Big Dutchman is also excited to announce that Eric Hansen will replace Budd Bentley as president of Prism Controls. Hansen has been with Prism Controls for more than 32 years, working in nearly every function of the organization, and previously held the position of Director of New Product Development.
