Interview with Mark Hemmingsem

Ten Years in Yellow

When Mark Hemmingsen first joined Team Rynkeby in 2010, he was motivated by the prospect of a personal challenge. Today, as he takes part in his tenth ride, it is the project’s purpose of making a difference for critically ill children that means the most to the CEO of Eckes-Granini Denmark. Team Rynkeby has become a powerful purpose for Mark Hemmingsen, both personally and professionally, as well as for the entire juice company based on Funen.

In 2026, the international charity initiative Team Rynkeby reaches a major milestone as cyclists in nine countries pull on the yellow jersey for the 25th consecutive year to raise funds for critically ill children and their families.

For Mark Hemmingsen, CEO of Eckes-Granini Denmark and Chairman of the Team Rynkeby Foundation, the year also marks a personal anniversary. Ten small Eiffel Tower stickers on the frame of his yellow road bike tell the story of his ten journeys to Paris. What began as a sporting challenge has developed into a journey of personal growth and a career in which Team Rynkeby has come to play a central role.

He first joined the project in 2011 while serving as Sales Director at Rynkeby Foods. At the time, his perspective was strongly shaped by his background in the military and competitive sports.

“My perspective on Team Rynkeby has changed significantly since my first participation. Back then, I mainly saw it as an exciting physical challenge and an opportunity to build a winning culture among our sales teams. Today, what I love most about the project is its purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference for children facing critical illnesses,”

Team Rynkeby Strengthens Company Culture

In 2022, Mark Hemmingsen returned to Rynkeby Foods, this time as CEO. According to him, Team Rynkeby played a significant role in his decision to come back.

On a personal level, the serious illness of a close family member had made the project even more meaningful. At the same time, he had witnessed how much Team Rynkeby contributed to the company itself.

“I also felt that Rynkeby Foods as a company had become somewhat disconnected from the project. I wanted to rebuild a stronger sense of connection, culture, and support around Team Rynkeby internally. That is why we make sure our employees have good opportunities to take part in the project.”

One initiative was the establishment of a dedicated Alpine team with strong roots in Rynkeby Foods. At the same time, the company remains a key contributor to the local team in Ringe, which cycles the traditional route from Funen to Paris. Altogether, around 50 employees participate in the project each year.

A Truly Special Community

According to Mark Hemmingsen, the results are clearly visible. Team Rynkeby is a frequent topic of conversation in the company cafeteria, particularly in the weeks leading up to the ride. The enthusiasm translates into greater job satisfaction, stronger team spirit, and increased loyalty.

“I feel incredibly proud when I hear how much the project is part of everyday conversations. The strong support creates a unique sense of community, and we can measure that in both employee satisfaction and loyalty. I have no doubt that the project makes us a better company."

“I get to know my colleagues in a completely different way when we spend hours riding side by side, talking about everything except work. The same applies to colleagues from the other Nordic countries who have participated. You build a very special bond.”

Unforgettable Moments

The sense of community also brings remarkable experiences. Mark Hemmingsen still considers his first arrival in Paris in 2011, surrounded by hundreds of riders in yellow jerseys, one of the highlights of his life. Other standout memories include his first ascent of Alpe d’Huez in 2023 and a legendary ride through heavy rain in 2014.

Yet one moment stands above all others: the first cheque presentation ceremony in 2022. Representing the Team Rynkeby Foundation, he had the privilege of presenting the funds raised to the Danish Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Danish Lung Foundation for Children.

“It was the first time I stood on behalf of the foundation and all the dedicated volunteers to hand over the money to those who truly need our help. It had a profound impact on me. It was a powerful reminder that this is something much bigger than ourselves. When you see what Team Rynkeby means to families affected by serious illness, it becomes crystal clear why we do this. That is what the project is about for me today.”

Bigger Than Ever

Today, Team Rynkeby is larger than ever before. In its anniversary year, the total amount raised over 25 years will exceed DKK 800 million, while nearly 3,000 cyclists and support crew members now form the backbone of the initiative. This community has become a shared purpose for both Mark Hemmingsen and the entire Eckes-Granini Group.

“Every year, Team Rynkeby raises between DKK 65 and 75 million. That is more than we earn from selling juice in Denmark. I am immensely proud of the positive contribution we help make to society as a company, and it gives us a greater sense of purpose every day when we go to work."