Barry Callebaut appointed Hein Schumacher as new CEO, effective January 26, 2026, succeeding Peter Feld, who is departing Barry Callebaut to pursue other career opportunities. Field will support the transition process, with a focus on transferring his knowledge of the BC Next Level transformation program.
Hein Schumacher (born 1971, Dutch national) brings to Barry Callebaut over 25 years of experience in the food sector. From 2023 to 2025, he served as CEO of Unilever, after other top management roles with companies such as Royal FrieslandCampina.
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.”
Patrick De Maeseneire continued: “Peter Feld joined Barry Callebaut as CEO in April 2023 with the mandate to transform our company into a simpler, leaner and more agile organization. Next to championing our transformation program, BC Next Level, Peter has navigated our company through the perfect storm, with unprecedented cocoa bean prices, market turbulence and a challenging geopolitical situation. With the upcoming completion of BC Next Level, the Board and Peter decided that now is the right time for a CEO transition. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank Peter for his immense work and leadership and wish him all the best for the future.”
Hein Schumacher said: “I am honored 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 building 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.”
Photo: Barry Callebaut