Our management
team

Johan was born and raised on a farm in the south of the Netherlands. He graduated as an agronomist in 1992 and began his career with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Fishery, where he became an expert in implementing policies in the agriculture and fishery sectors. In this role, he had extensive contact with other authorities, including the European Commission, and participated in various boards with numerous stakeholders.

Later, Johan joined the foundation Skal as Head of Inspections. He managed a team of international inspectors who conducted audits in the Netherlands and overseas. In 2002, he became the Managing Director of Skal International, a newly established joint venture between Control Union and the foundation Skal. Skal International was a spin-off focusing on the international and private certification market, while the foundation Skal concentrated on the public certification market in the Netherlands.

Over the years, and following a name change to Control Union Certifications BV, CUC has become a significant international player in the field of certification, with a focus on sustainable programs. Since 2022, Johan has served as CEO of the Peterson Control Union Group.

Felix was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He graduated with a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina and worked in the same field for several years.

In 1994, Felix joined Surveyseed Services S.A., a family company dedicated to inspection services in Argentina. There, he developed new services and opened new offices in several Latin American and North American countries.

In 1997, Felix oversaw the partnership between Surveyseed and Control Union. This successful relationship led to the merger of the two companies and the establishment of Control Union Argentina.

Since then, Felix has been part of Control Union’s management team, overseeing the development and management of the Americas Region.

Dirk was born and raised in Denmark, where he completed his business studies. He began his career in sales and marketing before joining Control Union in 1997 as a surveyor – a pivotal role that laid the foundation for his career in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry.

Over the years, Dirk has taken on various management roles within the group and was appointed Regional Manager for Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2009. Through his strategic leadership, focus on operational excellence, and collective efforts across the team, APAC operations have seen significant growth and improvement over the years.

Since 2020, Dirk has joined the group management team, where he continues to oversee the APAC region and the global management of the activities under the global inspections team.

Udi Gabay began his career 20 years ago in the certification sector, developing the Africa and Middle East region by establishing multiple offices in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.

He has also been part of the global certification team, which serves as a steering group for developing our certification activities.

Udi served as the regional manager for the Africa and Middle East region from 2010 to 2023. Since 2023, he has joined the main board of the group, overseeing the EMEA region.

Udi brings an entrepreneurial spirit to developing new activities and markets, ensuring Control Union’s continued growth regionally and globally.

Sarah first began working for the group 15 years ago. In 2012, she founded a digital consultancy, which is part of the Peterson group, focused on delivering efficiencies for its clients through technology and innovation, improving their agility. In 2022, Sarah became CEO of Peterson Energy Logistics and joined the main board of the group.

She also sits on the board of OEUK and is Vice Chair of its contractor council, as well as a member of the finance, remuneration, audit, and nomination committee. She is also a Trustee of the University of Aberdeen Development Trust and sits on the board of the UK’s only private sector-led economic development body ONE.

Her sharp focus on digital and commercial innovation in the supply chain is leading Peterson into new partnership models globally with clients across the all-energy and supply chain spectrum.