Danish Crown has accelerated the search process for a new chief executive following the announcement by current CEO Jais Valeur that he intends to step down from his role.
Valeur, who joined the company as CEO in 2015, will remain in his position until a replacement is found “to ensure no momentum is lost during the recruitment process,” Danish Crown explained.
Danish Crown’s chairman of the board, Asger Krogsgaard, said: “Both the board and Jais have come to the conclusion that Danish Crown needs a new leadership and one that will be in place for the duration of the comprehensive task ahead of us. Jais is handing over a core business which, in many ways, is geared to delivering positive and long-term value creation for us, its owners. However, it is vital for the board of directors that we always pay competitive settlement prices to our owners, and the situation at the moment is such that Danish Crown’s competitiveness must be improved. Therefore, we believe it is important for all parties to start the forthcoming strategy process in the knowledge that the strategy will be executed by a new CEO.”
Valeur added: “Earlier in the year, I informed Danish Crown that I do not see myself as CEO of the company in the longer term. I can, therefore, appreciate why the board of directors wants to accelerate this process and look further ahead to ensure that the company can embrace its new strategy with a new executive board in place for the longer term.”
“Danish Crown has come a long way while I’ve been at the helm, but there is still a huge and also highly exciting task facing the company in the coming years. It will call for a massive and persistent effort by the executive board. I will now focus on steering Danish Crown through the coming period to create the best possible conditions for my replacement. Danish Crown is a fantastic company with dedicated employees and huge unfulfilled potential.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Ahle, the current group CFO, is leaving Danish Crown to join the building material firm Stark Group. The new CFO will take over from Ahle starting on 1 December, and their name will be announced after the summer holidays to respect their current employer’s situation.
By Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
