Peter Stahl, the CEO of the Hochland Group, a prominent cheesemaker based in Germany, is set to depart from his position after an impressive tenure of 12 years at the helm and 24 years serving on the board. His exit marks a significant transition for the company, which owns several renowned cheese brands including Hochland, Almette, Grünländer, and Patros.
Effective next month, Sebastian Schaeffer, currently the Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the role of CEO. Hochland, headquartered in Heimenkirch, Bavaria, has not disclosed specific reasons for Stahl’s departure. However, the company indicated that it resulted from “recent differences in the understanding of leadership” with the majority of the supervisory board. The decision for Stahl to leave was made by “mutual agreement.”
In a statement, Hochland acknowledged the contributions made by Stahl during his time with the company. The food and beverage industry will be keenly watching this leadership change, given the ongoing trends affecting the food and drink business. Just Food has reached out to Hochland for further clarification on Stahl’s departure.
Schaeffer will maintain his responsibility for the commercial division as he transitions into the CEO role. His background includes experience at the Swiss food group Hero, where he has been overseeing sales, marketing, research and development, and innovation since joining Hochland’s executive board in January 2022.
CFO Hubert Staub and COO Josef Stitzl will continue to round out the executive leadership team as the company navigates its future. Established in 1927, Hochland is a family-owned cheese manufacturer that serves customers in over 30 countries, with production facilities located in Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Romania, Russia, and the United States. The company caters to major retailers as well as the foodservice sector, reinforcing its strong position amidst evolving consumer trends in the food and drink industry.
In line with the evolving landscape, businesses have a unique opportunity to adapt to current food and drink consumer trends by leveraging strategic leadership and innovative practices. By continually evolving, companies like Hochland can secure their place in a competitive market.
