The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) has announced that its CEO, Henrik Andersen, will be stepping down from the position. After nearly three decades with AFI, Andersen is leaving to pursue a different career path "to work on diverse projects and explore opportunities to serve as board member". Serving as CEO since 2010, Andersen joined AFI in 1994, initially overseeing applications and R&D. Over the years, he has maintained a strong focus on the whey business. Luis Cubel, who has been part of AFI since 2002 and currently serves as the VP for commercial, will succeed Andersen as of 1 February 2024. He served as the general manager of AFI in Germany for three years until AFI became an independent business, separated from Arla Foods and established as a subsidiary. Since 2015, Cubel has been in charge of the commercial aspects of AFI as vice president. Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh said: “Henrik has shown dedication throughout his career with Arla and latest as the CEO of AFI. I understand and support that Henrik would like to define the next chapter, focusing on different projects and board positions after his many years in Arla Foods and AFI. AFI is in great shape, and I would like to thank Henrik for an outstanding effort." "He will continue to support AFI on its future journey of growth by taking on the role as board member of the AFI business board, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation.” Andersen commented: “I have been part of a fantastic development in AFI for many years, and feel proud of what we have achieved working together. It has been a journey of discovering and delivering powerful nutrition, and I continue to see great potential for sustainable growth." "We have come a long way with our Strategy26 implementation, and soon we will begin work to craft our next strategy – therefore, I think it is a good time for me to move on and let a new leadership take charge of this process." Cubel added: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the next CEO of AFI, an organisation I have been proud to serve during the last 20 years. Henrik leaves AFI in a very strong position to continue our growth ambitions, and I have truly enjoyed working with Henrik over the years. I am looking forward, together with the AFI team, to building on these strong foundations and taking AFI to the next level.”