Ferrero names insider to head WK Kellogg after $3.1B purchase
Yahoo Finance·2026-02-03 10:00

Group 1 - Ferrero has appointed Jean-Baptiste Santoul as the chief operating officer for WK Kellogg, following its $3.1 billion acquisition of the company [4][8] - The acquisition aims to enhance Ferrero's presence in North America, where it already has a diverse portfolio including ice cream, protein bars, cookies, and confections [4][8] - Santoul's responsibilities will include maintaining WK Kellogg's legacy cereal business while expanding into healthier product categories such as protein and fiber [5][8] Group 2 - The cereal market has faced challenges, with declining sales as consumers shift towards healthier and more portable options [4] - Santoul emphasized the importance of this period for WK Kellogg and the future of cereal in North America, aiming to accelerate growth and strengthen market leadership [8] - The company is also addressing external pressures, such as the "Make America Healthy Again" movement and regulatory changes regarding artificial ingredients [5][6]