Spanish bakery Monbake names new CEO

Grupo Monbake, the Spain-based bakery group, has named former Reckitt director Borja Lomba Sorrondegui as its new CEO.

Lomba succeeds Aurelio Antuna, who has led Monbake since 2018 and will now assume the role of chairman at the company.

Monbake manufactures, markets and distributes its products for Spain and abroad, with a presence in more than 30 countries.

Lomba joins the Monbake after more than a decade at Reckitt. His most recent role at the UK-based consumer-goods group was director-general for its operations in Iberia.

Lomba noted he is joining Monbake at a time where there is significant opportunity for the company.

“Monbake has enormous growth potential, an exceptional team and a firm commitment to quality and innovation,” Lomba said. “I face this challenge with determination and the goal of continuing to create long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

The appointment comes after Grupo Monbake released plans to double production capacity at its Tajonar pastry plant in Navarra, Spain, with a €20 million investment.

The company currently operates a frozen pastry production plant with two lines manufacturing a range of products (croissants, pain au chocolat, pastries, etc). The planned expansion aims to boost production capacity by introducing processes that reduce production costs while developing new, high-value products.

The company will go towards a third production line within the existing premises, aiming to increase production from 16,000 tonnes in 2024 to 28,000–32,000 tonnes by 2030 – nearly a 50% increase.

Of the €20 million investment, €18.3 million will be allocated to equipment and machinery.