Just Eat Founder Jitse Groen Steps Down After 25 Years Leading Global Food Delivery Giant
Just Eat Takeaway completed 653 million orders in 2024, processing €19bn in gross merchandise value, marking the conclusion of an era as Jitse Groen steps down as CEO effective 1 January 2026. The announcement signals a major Just Eat leadership change following the acquisition of the delivery platform by Prosus Europe in a £3.4bn deal completed earlier this year.
Groen’s departure from the Just Eat Takeaway CEO role concludes an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Since founding the company in 2000, Jitse Groen has grown JET from a student-led idea to a major global player in the online on-demand delivery space, with his journey beginning with Thuisbezorgd.nl established in a small attic in Enschede in the Netherlands. His vision transformed a modest startup into an international operator serving 60 million consumers and 362,000 partners across 16 countries.
Strategic Leadership Transition Following Prosus Acquisition
The timing of Groen’s departure reflects the natural evolution following corporate acquisition. Roberto Gandolfo, currently Chair of the JET Supervisory Board and Head of Prosus Europe, will succeed Groen. Gandolfo’s appointment represents strategic continuity during this transformative period for the food delivery platform.
Roberto Gandolfo brings substantial credentials to the Just Eat Takeaway CEO position. Under his leadership at iFood, the platform scaled from 1 million to 120 million profitable monthly orders, reached more than 60 million annual customers, and expanded to a network of 400,000 merchant partners and 400,000 couriers. This track record demonstrates his capability to manage large-scale operations effectively.
His appointment will be subject to approval by the Dutch Central Bank, representing standard regulatory procedure for executive appointments in the financial services sector.
Why Did Jitse Groen Step Down: A Quarter-Century Journey
The announcement provides insights into Groen’s reasoning for this momentous decision. “After a quarter century as founder and CEO of Just Eat Takeaway.com, I am leaving the company today. I am immensely proud of what our team has built, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey”, Groen stated in his farewell message.
The decision appears strategic rather than sudden. Through a quarter-century of growth, including the acquisition of Lieferando in 2014 and merger with Just Eat in 2020, Jitse built the company into a global player, actively operating in 16 countries and holding leading positions in many of its largest segments, including the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.
Groen’s timing aligns with corporate transitions following major acquisitions. Founders often step aside to allow new leadership teams to implement their strategic vision. This pattern reflects industry best practices during ownership transitions.
Roberto Gandolfo: The New Vision for Just Eat
Gandolfo’s background suggests a focus on technological innovation and operational excellence. Roberto has a proven track record in scaling complex operations, driving product- and technology-led transformation, and leading high-performing teams. He brings deep industry experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, strong strategic clarity and fresh ambition required to guide JET into its next chapter.
His previous role at Brazilian food delivery giant iFood provides relevant experience for managing international operations. He joined Prosus in 2025 after more than a decade at iFood, where he served as CEO of the Marketplace business. This experience positions him well to understand the complexities of global food delivery markets.
Gandolfo expressed enthusiasm about his new role: “JET is a phenomenal business with a strong brand, valued partners, and great people across the organisation. I’m excited to join at this pivotal moment and to work closely with JET’s leaders to unlock the company’s next chapter of growth through innovation and best-in-class execution”.
The Strategic Context: Prosus Ownership and Market Position
The leadership transition occurs within a broader strategic context. Prosus, a major technology investor, acquired Just Eat Takeaway as part of its portfolio expansion strategy. As JET enters this next phase under Prosus ownership, their focus is on execution and delivery for customers and partners, moving fast to transform JET through a focus on product, customer and innovation, creating a true European tech champion.
Industry consolidation continues reshaping the food delivery landscape. Groen’s departure follows the stepping down of Just Eat rival Deliveroo’s founder and CEO Will Shu, who relinquished the role after the aggregator app’s £2.9bn acquisition by DoorDash last month. These developments indicate broader transformation within the sector.
Just Eat’s market position remains strong despite leadership changes. It is the biggest food delivery player in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, providing a solid foundation for future growth initiatives.
Building the Food Delivery Empire: Groen’s Legacy
Groen’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies startup success scaling to global prominence. His company growth strategy involved strategic acquisitions and mergers that expanded market reach systematically. Groen founded the delivery company as Thuisbezorgd.nl in 2000, with subsequent milestones including the 2014 acquisition of German food deliverer Lieferando and the 2020 merger with Just Eat, forming the international JET, now active in 16 countries.
The evolution from university startup to international corporation demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities. Groen transformed a simple idea into a complex multinational operation serving millions of customers daily. His ability to navigate different markets, cultures, and regulatory environments established Just Eat as a dominant force.
The timing of Groen’s departure allows new leadership to focus on innovation and technology advancement. As JET enters this next phase under Prosus ownership, their focus is on execution and delivery for customers and partners, indicating strategic priorities for the incoming management team.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Industry analysts view this leadership transition as positive for long-term growth prospects. Gandolfo’s proven ability to scale operations suggests potential acceleration of Just Eat’s expansion plans. His experience with emerging market dynamics, particularly from his iFood tenure, could benefit European operations significantly.
The food delivery sector continues evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancement. Companies must adapt quickly to maintain competitive advantages. Gandolfo’s track record suggests capability to navigate these challenges effectively.
Fabricio Bloisi noted: “Very few founders can claim to have built a company that reaches this level of scale, impact and relevance. Jitse’s contribution will remain a defining part of JET’s history and future, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter”. This recognition acknowledges Groen’s substantial achievements while expressing confidence in future leadership.
Operational Excellence Under New Leadership
Gandolfo’s appointment signals emphasis on operational efficiency and technological innovation. His background managing complex marketplace dynamics positions him well for addressing current industry challenges. The food delivery sector requires sophisticated logistics coordination, technology infrastructure, and customer service capabilities.
Bloisi emphasized that “Roberto has a proven track record in scaling complex operations, driving product- and technology-led transformation, and leading high-performance teams. He brings deep industry experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, strong strategic clarity and fresh ambition required to guide JET into its next chapter”.
Innovation priorities likely include enhancing user experience, improving delivery efficiency, and expanding service offerings. These initiatives require significant technological investment and operational coordination across multiple markets.
The Broader Industry Context
Founder transitions reflect maturation within the food delivery industry. Early pioneers like Groen established fundamental business models, while new leadership focuses on optimization and innovation. This evolution parallels development patterns in other technology sectors.
Market consolidation continues as larger players acquire smaller competitors. The Prosus acquisition of Just Eat represents this trend, combining resources to compete more effectively against rivals like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Scale advantages become increasingly important for sustainable profitability.
Consumer expectations continue rising, demanding faster delivery times, broader restaurant selection, and enhanced user experiences. Meeting these expectations requires continuous investment in technology and operations.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Priorities
Gandolfo’s leadership likely emphasizes several key areas. Technology advancement remains crucial for maintaining competitive positioning. Investment in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation could improve operational efficiency significantly.
Market expansion opportunities exist in underserved regions and demographic segments. Gandolfo’s emerging market experience could inform strategic decisions about geographic expansion and service adaptation.
Partnership development with restaurants, delivery personnel, and technology providers requires ongoing attention. Building strong ecosystem relationships creates sustainable competitive advantages.
The conclusion of Groen’s tenure marks the end of an entrepreneurial era while beginning a new chapter focused on corporate optimization and growth acceleration. His legacy includes establishing Just Eat as a global leader, while Gandolfo’s appointment suggests continued evolution toward greater efficiency and innovation.
This leadership transition reflects broader industry maturation, where founding vision gives way to operational excellence and strategic optimization. The food delivery sector continues evolving rapidly, requiring adaptive leadership capable of navigating complex challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jitse Groen step down as Just Eat CEO?
Jitse Groen stepped down after 25 years as founder and CEO, stating he was “immensely proud” of what the team built. The timing follows Just Eat’s acquisition by Prosus Europe in a £3.4bn deal.
Who is replacing Jitse Groen as Just Eat CEO?
Roberto Gandolfo will succeed Jitse Groen as CEO effective January 1, 2026. Gandolfo currently serves as Chair of the JET Supervisory Board and Head of Prosus Europe.
What experience does Roberto Gandolfo bring to Just Eat?
Gandolfo brings over a decade of technology platform experience, including leading iFood’s marketplace division where he scaled operations from 1 million to 120 million monthly orders.
When did Jitse Groen found Just Eat?
Jitse Groen founded the company in 2000 as Thuisbezorgd.nl in the Netherlands, starting from a small attic in Enschede before growing it into a global food delivery giant.
How large is Just Eat Takeaway currently?
Just Eat Takeaway operates in 16 countries, serves 60 million consumers and 362,000 partners, completed 653 million orders in 2024, and processed €19bn in gross merchandise value.
What was the Prosus acquisition value for Just Eat?
Prosus Europe acquired Just Eat Takeaway in a £3.4bn deal, which was completed earlier in 2025 before Groen announced his departure.
What are Gandolfo’s strategic priorities for Just Eat?
Gandolfo plans to focus on innovation, best-in-class execution, and transforming JET through product, customer and technology advancement to create a “true European tech champion.”
