Boardroom clash behind Barry Callebaut CEO shake‑up

Barry Callebaut leadership shake‑up Last month, the world’s biggest chocolate maker Barry Callebaut announced the appointment of its third CEO in five years – former Unilever chief Hein Schumacher. Little information was given at the time as to why former CEO Peter Feld was to step down, only that the Board and Peter decided it was “the right time for a CEO transition”. And all seemed amicable, with chairman Patrick De Maeseneire thanking Feld for “his immense work and leadership” and wishing him “all the best for the future.” However, Reuters is now reporting that the decision followed a disagreement over a proposal for Barry Callebaut to separate its cocoa business. According to sources close to the matter, members of Barry Callebaut’s board, including Maeseneire, opposed the plans. “One reason for the departure was diverging views regarding the company’s future strategy,” the source told Reuters. “The CEO was open to considering a separation of the cocoa unit and a potential ...