deSter expresses deep respect and gratitude for the life and work of Jons Hensel, an entrepreneur, innovator and connector who helped shape the company and the wider onboard experience industry across more than five decades.
Jons Hensel (March 21, 1951 – July 2026) passed away at the age of 75.
His connection with deSter began early. He joined the company as a young man and went on to serve as Chief Commercial Officer and as a member of the board, contributing to the international growth of the business during a formative period. In the late 1990s he was one of the founding partners of HeliosMPPD in Amsterdam, building it into a respected global supplier of onboard equipment, serviceware and amenity kits for airlines around the world.
In 2012, that path came full circle. deSter Holding BV, then as now part of gategroup, acquired HeliosMPPD, bringing together two organizations whose capabilities in innovation, design and customer service were closely aligned. Jons described the moment in his own words at the time: “Being reunited with deSter within gategroup is like coming home.”
Within gategroup, Jons continued to do what he did best. He championed innovation across the group’s international catering and travel activities, bringing people together across brands, disciplines and markets, and encouraging teams to think beyond what already existed. He also served on the board of the International Travel Catering Association, where he helped strengthen the professional foundations of the sector.
Beyond his business career, Jons devoted his energy to culture, society and sport. He advised the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica and later chaired the Embassy of the Free Mind, the platform for free and independent thinking housed in Amsterdam’s Huis met de Hoofden. He also took on chairmanships at Release Rebels and at Stichting Het Wereldhart. As chairman of Hockeyclub AH&BC Amsterdam he helped restore the club to health, and together with Maurits Hendriks he initiated the Euro Hockey League. In 2010 he was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his professional and social contributions.
Those who worked with Jons describe a man who brought energy into every room he entered. He was a visionary in the practical sense of the word. He saw where things could go, and he made other people want to go there with him. He led with his instincts as much as with his judgment, and he was as interested in the person in front of him as in the idea on the table.
That combination was his real gift. He moved ideas forward and connected with people at the same time, and he left a lasting impression on almost everyone who met him. He believed that nothing is fixed, that far more is possible than most organizations assume, and that people who dare to think bigger will get further. Above all, he placed that belief in the people around him, which is where it continues to have an effect.
At deSter, we recognize that our history is shaped by people who combined commercial drive with genuine human interest. Jons was one of them. His belief in people, in curiosity and in the value of connection continues to influence how we work with our customers and partners today.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and to all those who were inspired by his life and work.
“Jons Hensel had an extraordinary ability to move ideas forward and to move people at the same time. His contribution to deSter, to Helios and later to innovation across gategroup left a mark that is still visible in our business today. We are grateful for everything he gave to this company and to our industry.” Stef Van de Perre, President and Managing Director deSter
Online condolence register:
https://www.jonshensel.nl/forever
Media Inquiries
deSter communications
dester.communications@gategroup.com
About deSter
deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality, and foodservice industries.
The company combines 75 years of manufacturing expertise with the latest production technology and material developments. deSter has production units in Hoogstraten (BE), Barcelona (ES), Lima (US), and Prachinburi (TH), in addition to global sales offices. www.dester.com
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com