Barry Callebaut CEO: Leadership Change at the World's Largest Chocolate Maker

Overview of Barry Callebaut and Its Global Reach
Barry Callebaut AG is a Swiss‑Belgian cocoa processor and chocolate manufacturer that ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of high‑quality chocolate and cocoa products for industrial and professional customers. Founded in 1996 through the merger of Belgium’s Callebaut and France’s Cacao Barry, the company has grown into an international powerhouse with production facilities across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia, serving confectionery giants and artisanal chocolatiers alike. Its product range includes cocoa powders, chocolate fillings, compounds, couverture chocolate and other cocoa‑based ingredients used in everything from chocolate bars to ice cream, bakery goods, and gourmet applications. The company’s leadership structure has evolved over time as it navigates market volatility, changes in consumer demand, and challenges in the global cocoa market, making the role of CEO a critical position in steering corporate strategy and growth.

Recent Leadership Transition: Hein Schumacher Takes the Helm
In January 2026, Barry Callebaut announced a major leadership change with former Unilever boss Hein Schumacher set to become the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 26, 2026. Schumacher succeeds Peter Feld, who led the company since April 2023 and is stepping down to pursue other career opportunities. The board’s decision reflects the company’s desire to transition from a period of internal transformation to a focus on Barry Callebaut CEO stabilizing operations and driving growth. Schumacher brings more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, including his most recent role as CEO of Unilever from 2023 to 2025 and earlier leadership positions at Royal FrieslandCampina, where he served as both CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Barry Callebaut Chairman Patrick De Maeseneire described Schumacher as a seasoned and decisive leader with deep expertise in both business‑to‑consumer (B2C) and business‑to‑business (B2B) sectors, whose international experience and customer‑centric approach are expected to guide the company through its next strategic phase.

Challenges Facing the New CEO
The leadership change comes at a challenging time for the company. In recent years, Barry Callebaut has confronted volatile cocoa prices driven by poor harvests in major cocoa‑producing regions such as West Africa, disrupting cost forecasts and squeezing profit margins. Sales volumes fell nearly 9.9 percent in one recent quarter, with cocoa volumes down even more sharply, reflecting weakened demand in key markets. The “BC Next Level” transformation program launched under Feld aimed to simplify operations, improve efficiency, and build a more agile organization, but these efforts unfolded amid market turbulence that tested the company’s resilience. Schumacher’s mandate will include continuing to strengthen the company’s financial position, restoring confidence among investors and customers, and charting a path to sustainable growth once the transformation initiatives conclude.

Peter Feld’s Leadership and Legacy
Peter Feld, a German national with decades of executive experience in global consumer goods and services, took the helm of Barry Callebaut in 2023, succeeding Peter Boone. Feld arrived with a mandate to reinvent the company, focusing on creating a leaner, more agile organization while navigating extraordinary market headwinds, including cocoa price spikes and reduced demand. Throughout his tenure, Feld emphasized strategic initiatives like BC Next Level and efforts to improve operational efficiency and customer focus. He also addressed financial pressures, including efforts to manage debt and balance cost structures amid rising commodity costs. Feld’s leadership during this tumultuous period helped position the company for a strategic handover, even as it grappled with market pressures that shaped his final years in office.

Strategic Outlook and Expectations for the Future
With Hein Schumacher stepping into the CEO role, Barry Callebaut is seeking a fresh strategic direction that leverages his broad industry experience and leadership in global food companies. The company aims to rebuild momentum, strengthen customer relationships, and enhance financial performance while maintaining its integrated cocoa and chocolate business model. Schumacher’s expertise in navigating complex markets, combined with a focus on innovation and growth, will be critical as Barry Callebaut confronts evolving industry dynamics, including shifting consumer preferences, sustainability pressures, and ongoing commodity market volatility. How effectively the new CEO balances these challenges with opportunities for expansion and operational excellence will shape the company’s trajectory in the coming years.