The Oetker Group, a collection of family-owned enterprises, is currently undergoing significant management changes that will result in new leadership for its food and beverage divisions.
The restructuring centers on Dr. Albert Christmann, who will step down from his role as the “general partner” of Dr. August Oetker KG and exit the Oetker Group management team effective May 1. In addition, he will resign as chairman of the executive board of Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG.
Dr. August Oetker KG serves as the holding company for the Oetker Group, which encompasses three primary business segments: food, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and hotels along with various other interests. A significant component of the food division is Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel, well-known for its frozen pizza products and assorted home baking items, including offerings from the Chicago Town brand.
Moreover, the food division also incorporates the Coppenrath & Wiese confectionery division, renowned for producing frozen cakes and pies, primarily targeting the German market.
Starting May 1, Carl Oetker, the great-great-grandson of Dr. August Oetker, will succeed Christmann as the chair of the executive board. In this pivotal role, Carl will oversee group strategy and mergers & acquisitions while also acting as a mentor for Dr. Oetker operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Additionally, Carl will take over as the general partner of Dr. August Oetker KG and will be responsible for the food division within the Oetker Group.
In a related development, Dr. Niels Lorenz will join the group management team and take charge of the beer and non-alcoholic beverage division, governed by Oetker’s Radeberger Gruppe. Since 2020, Lorenz has been part of the advisory board at Radeberger Gruppe and will now become chairman of both Radeberger and Flaschenpost, the company’s drinks and grocery delivery service, starting May 1.
The Radeberger brewery group boasts well-known brands, including Radeberger Pilsner, Jever, Schöfferhofer Weizen, and the Selters mineral water brand.
As the food and beverage industry trends evolve, Oetker Group’s leadership changes reflect a strategic approach to enhancing their position in the food and drink business. By adapting to food and drink consumer trends, the company aims to maintain its competitive edge in a dynamic market landscape.
