Ex-Unilever chief Schumacher named Barry Callebaut CEO

Core Viewpoint - Barry Callebaut has appointed Hein Schumacher as the new CEO, succeeding Peter Feld, amid a transformation program aimed at enhancing the company's agility and customer focus [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Hein Schumacher, former CEO of Unilever and FrieslandCampina, has been appointed as the new CEO of Barry Callebaut [1][2]. - Peter Feld, the outgoing CEO, will leave the company next week to pursue other career opportunities after leading the company since 2023 [2][4]. - The chairman, Patrick De Maeseneire, emphasized the timing of the CEO transition coinciding with the nearing completion of the BC Next Level transformation program [3][4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Barry Callebaut reported an 8.9% increase in revenue for the first quarter of its financial year, reaching SFr3.67 billion ($4.64 billion), despite a nearly 10% decline in volumes [5]. - In the last full financial year, revenue surged by 42.4% to SFr14.79 billion, driven by price increases to offset high cocoa bean costs, although volumes decreased by 6.8% [6]. Group 3: Market Context - The chocolate confectionery market is reportedly declining, as indicated by Nielsen figures, which may impact future sales volumes for Barry Callebaut [5]. - De Maeseneire has denied any plans to separate the cocoa division from the rest of the business, countering rumors regarding the company's strategic direction [4]. Group 4: Leadership Qualities - De Maeseneire praised Schumacher as a seasoned leader with a strong background in food and B2B/B2C sectors, highlighting his proven track record in creating shareholder value [7]. - Schumacher is expected to lead Barry Callebaut into a new phase focused on customer engagement and financial strength, leveraging the company's integrated cocoa and chocolate business model [7].