SWITZERLAND – Leading cocoa processor and chocolate manufacturer, Barry Callebaut has announced that Peter Boone, its current Americas zone president, will succeed Antoine de Saint-Affrique as the company’s CEO.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique has served as CEO since October 2015 and will be stepping down at the end of the group’s fiscal year paving way for Boone who will take on the role of CEO on 1 September 2021
Boone joined the company as chief innovation officer in 2012 and has served as Barry Callebaut Americas region president since September 2017.
Under his leadership, the Americas region has reportedly achieved solid, profitable, volume growth and has expanded its customer portfolio.
Boone also oversaw the establishment of Barry Callebaut’s Specialties & Decorations business in North America through its acquisition of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates’ ingredient division.
Prior to joining the chocolate manufacturer, Boone worked at Unilever in a variety of global and regional roles including chief marketing officer of Australia and New Zealand zones.
Steve Woolley – Barry Callebaut’s current VP and general manager of global accounts North America – will succeed Boone as president Americas.
“Peter’s great track record in driving profitable growth, championing ground-breaking innovation, whilst implementing a solid quality culture, building new markets and segments, and, last but not least, his passion for sustainability, make him the perfect candidate to become the group’s new CEO,” said Barry Callebaut chairman, Patrick De Maeseneire.
The Swiss based chocolate company said that Antoine de Saint-Affrique will be proposed for election to the board of directors during the upcoming AGM.
Earlier, Barry Callebaut announced the appointment of Denis Convert to the role of Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, effective August 1, 2021.
As MD, Denis Convert will be based in the GKC Foods office in Melbourne, Australia and will provide leadership and direction to operations and sales teams in growing sales volume and expanding Barry Callebaut’s footprint in Australia and New Zealand.
Last year Barry Callebaut’s acquired GKC Foods establishing the company’s direct presence and manufacturing capability in Australia to cater for the Australian and New Zealand markets which Dennis will now be expected to lead.
Denis Convert joined Barry Callebaut in 2014 as Vice President of Gourmet for Asia Pacific. He was instrumental in driving the Gourmet business expansion, putting China and India in Barry Callebaut’s top 10 largest gourmet markets worldwide.
Barry Callebaut’s has also launched a new initiative dubbed Treat Tomorrow, to foster collaboration with customers and experts to carve the plan for “new” chocolate indulgence.
The Swiss chocolate and cocoa giant intends to use this new initiative to foster new and emerging consumer desires addressing climate, social inequality and personal health concerns.
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