Barry Callebaut appoints Americas unit head Peter Boone to CEO

Barry Callebaut has announced that its current Americas zone president, Peter Boone, will succeed Antoine de Saint-Affrique as the company’s CEO.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique has served as CEO since October 2015 and will be stepping down at the end of the group’s fiscal year.

Boone – who will take on the role of CEO on 1 September 2021 – joined the company as chief innovation officer in 2012 and has served as Barry Callebaut Americas region president since September 2017.

Under his leadership, the Americas region has reportedly achieved solid, profitable, volume growth and has expanded its customer portfolio. Boone also oversaw the establishment of Barry Callebaut’s Specialties & Decorations business in North America through its acquisition of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates’ ingredient division.

Prior to joining the chocolate manufacturer, Boone worked at Unilever in a variety of global and regional roles including chief marketing officer of Australia and New Zealand zones.

Steve Woolley – Barry Callebaut’s current VP and general manager of global accounts North America – will succeed Boone as president Americas.

“Peter’s great track record in driving profitable growth, championing ground-breaking innovation, whilst implementing a solid quality culture, building new markets and segments, and, last but not least, his passion for sustainability, make him the perfect candidate to become the group’s new CEO,” said Barry Callebaut chairman, Patrick De Maeseneire.

“As Barry Callebaut’s current president Americas and former chief innovation officer, Peter’s appointment will ensure continuity and a smooth handover,” he added.  

At the AGM, Antoine de Saint-Affrique will be proposed for election to the board of directors.

De Maeseneire said: “Antoine is passing the baton to Peter after six years of passionate leadership, which is once more illustrated by the careful succession planning. Together with the executive team, Antoine’s ‘smart growth’ execution of the group’s long-term strategy successfully expanded Barry Callebaut’s global footprint across five continents.

“Furthermore, Antoine made Barry Callebaut the industry leader for sustainable cocoa and chocolate through the launch of Forever Chocolate, the group’s acclaimed plan to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025.”