Bahlsen names Phil Rumbol as first non-family CEO

German biscuit company Bahlsen has appointed Phil Rumbol as the first non-family CEO, effective as of 7 April 2020. 

Rumbol has more than 30 years commercial experience working for companies such as Cadbury, AB InBev, Heineken and Kraft. Most recently, he has worked for Bahlsen’s global agency partner MullenLowe, after selling his own business to the company in 2017.

Bahlsen has said that the appointment is part of Werner Bahlsen’s handover to his daughter Verena Bahlsen, who will represent ‘the next generation’ of the company and become the primary active shareholder. It follows the announcement in 2018 of Werner Bahlsen’s withdrawal from the management board to head the newly founded governance board.

“Appointing the first non-family CEO is an important moment for our company. We specifically searched for someone who shares our family vision and core values. Phil has a strong track record of business transformation and Verena and I believe he is the right person to lead our company into a new chapter,” said Werner Bahlsen.

Commenting on his appointment, Rumbol said: “It’s an honour and privilege to become the first non-family CEO of Bahlsen. It’s a wonderful family business with great products and a rich heritage.

“Having spent time with Verena and Werner, I was drawn to the inspiring vision they have for the business and look forward to working with everyone to make this vision a reality.”

Founded in 1889, Bahlsen has expanded its portfolio in recent years responding to trends such as the growth of free-from and joining forces with DMK Group to develop a range of ice cream with confectionery pieces.