Schumacher to lead post-transformation growth as Barry Callebaut CEO

Barry Callebaut has announced a major leadership transition.

The Board of Directors has appointed Hein Schumacher as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective January 26, 2026.

Schumacher succeeds Peter Feld, who joined Barry Callebaut in April 2023 with a specific mandate to overhaul the organisation. According to the company, Feld is departing to pursue other career opportunities as the group nears the completion of its ambitious BC Next Level transformation program.

Schumacher (54) joins Barry Callebaut with more than 25 years of experience in the food and beverage sectors. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Unilever (2023–2025), where he was credited with sharpening the FMCG giant’s focus on core brands and driving shareholder value.

Prior to his tenure at Unilever, Schumacher spent eight years at the global dairy cooperative Royal FrieslandCampina, serving as both CFO and eventually CEO. His background also includes over a decade at HJ Heinz (now Kraft Heinz) in leadership roles across Asia Pacific and China.

“Hein is a seasoned and decisive leader with a unique blend of expertise in Food, B2C/B2B, and ingredients,” said Patrick De Maeseneire, chairman of the Barry Callebaut Group. “He is the right leader at this stage to chart Barry Callebaut’s next phase of increased customer focus, winning culture, and financial strength.”

The transition marks a pivotal moment for the Zurich-based group. Peter Feld’s tenure was defined by the “BC Next Level” program, which aimed to make Barry Callebaut a simpler, leaner, and more agile organisation. Feld navigated the company through a period of extreme volatility, including record-breaking cocoa bean prices and significant geopolitical turbulence.

“With most initiatives of BC Next Level already implemented, it is a good time to pass the baton to Hein,” said outgoing CEO Peter Feld. He will remain available during the transition period to ensure a smooth transfer of knowledge regarding the transformation program.

Schumacher takes the helm at a time when the chocolate industry is facing sustained volume pressures and fluctuating commodity costs. In his first statement, Schumacher acknowledged the “unprecedented market turbulence” but emphasized a clear path back to growth.

“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,” Schumacher said.

For the global food and drink trade, the appointment signals a shift from internal restructuring toward a strategy of aggressive market growth and customer-centricity under one of the industry’s most prominent veteran executives.