Global chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut has revealed that Hein Schumacher will succeed Peter Feld as CEO effective 26th January 2026.
The manufacturer said that Peter Feld will leave Barry Callebaut to pursue other career opportunities, and Feld will remain available to Barry Callebaut during the transition to Schumacher.
Schumacher brings to Barry Callebaut over 25 years of experience in the food sector, and from 2023-2025, he served as CEO of Unilever.
Prior to Unilever, Schumacher held key leadership positions at dairy cooperative Royal FrieslandCampina. From 2003-2014, Hein Schumacher was with HJ Heinz (now Kraft Heinz) in progressively more senior roles, including president & CEO HJ Heinz Asia Pacific (2013-2015) and executive vice president HJ Heinz China (2010-2013), based in Asia Pacific.
Hein Schumacher said: “I am honoured to serve as CEO of Barry Callebaut. Following a period of unprecedented market turbulence, Barry Callebaut is at an exciting juncture. While the business continues to navigate market and volume pressures, we have a clear opportunity to return to growth, to strengthen our culture and to deliver a step-up in our business performance.
“I look forward to working with the Barry Callebaut team to delight our customers, strengthen the balance sheet and deliver sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Peter Feld said: “Over the last nearly three years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented people in the industry and to build the foundation for future growth. As the board and I discussed, with most initiatives of BC Next Level already implemented, it is a good time to pass the baton to Hein.
“I do this with pride and gratitude to all who contributed. Barry Callebaut’s future is in good hands with Hein, and I wish Hein all the best in his new role.”
A “decisive” leader
Patrick De Maeseneire, chairman of Barry Callebaut Group, commented: “The board is delighted to welcome Hein Schumacher as Barry Callebaut’s next CEO after an extensive global search process and to embark on a new chapter of growth, value creation and industry leadership.
“Hein is a seasoned and decisive leader with a unique blend of expertise in food, B2C/B2B and ingredients, as well as a proven track record in creating significant shareholder value from two CEO positions with Unilever and Royal FrieslandCampina. He is the right leader at this stage to chart Barry Callebaut’s next phase of increased customer focus, winning culture and financial strength, based on our fully integrated cocoa and chocolate business model.”
