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Functional ingredients manufacturer Beneo has appointed Uwe Boltersdorf as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective 1 February 2026, strengthening its executive leadership as the company continues to expand its global operations and sustainability initiatives.
Boltersdorf brings more than two decades of international management experience spanning production, process development and engineering. He completed his doctorate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT in Oberhausen, following studies in chemical engineering at the University of Dortmund.
Throughout his career, he has held senior roles at major industrial organisations including Bayer, Lanxess, Thyssenkrupp and Sulzer, building expertise in large-scale plant engineering and chemical manufacturing.
In April 2025, Boltersdorf joined the executive board of CropEnergies as chief operating officer. He will continue in this role alongside his new responsibilities at Beneo, reinforcing strategic and operational synergies between the two sister companies within the Südzucker Group.
At Beneo, Boltersdorf will oversee global operations, including production, technology, supply chain management, quality, raw materials, health and safety, environmental protection and sustainability.
His appointment comes at a time when ingredient manufacturers are facing mounting pressure to optimise supply chains, improve resource efficiency and meet evolving environmental targets.
Commenting on his appointment, Boltersdorf said he is “excited to have the opportunity to use my 25 years of international experience in the plant engineering and chemical industries to support Beneo’s growth trajectory,” adding that operational excellence is central to meeting customer needs and evolving market requirements.
Founded in 2007, Beneo is a producer of plant-based functional ingredients derived from natural sources for the food, feed and pharmaceutical sectors. Active in more than 80 countries, the company employs over 1,200 people and operates seven production sites across Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
Its portfolio supports manufacturers in improving nutritional profiles, taste and texture across a wide range of applications, from sugar reduction and fibre enrichment to gut health and plant-based innovation.
Through its Beneo-Institute and Beneo-Technology Center, the company also provides scientific and technical expertise to customers navigating regulatory and formulation challenges.
Boltersdorf succeeds Mike Eberle, who transitioned to the role of CEO of the Sugar Division of Südzucker Group in October 2025.
The leadership change is expected to ensure continuity while reinforcing Beneo’s focus on operational resilience and sustainable growth within the competitive global ingredients market.
