Frankgerald Stepp, formerly an executive at Kerry Taste & Nutrition, will become Pladis’ chief supply chain officer in the new year. He will be responsible for the biscuit, chocolate and snacks company’s global end-to-end supply chain, spanning more than 110 markets.
The appointment comes as Pladis advances a major, multi-year programme to strengthen its manufacturing and distribution network. Recent projects include a £68 million investment in UK bakeries, expanded production capabilities at its Cairo site, higher output capacity in France, and operational improvements in important markets including Turkey and the US. During 2025, the company committed more than £100 million in capital expenditure to enhance capacity, productivity and resilience throughout its manufacturing footprint.
Stepp will build on this transformation and take over from Mario Reis, who is due to retire at the end of 2026 after eight years as chief supply chain officer.
With 30 years of food industry experience, Stepp has held senior positions at ARYZTA, Kraft Foods and Mondelez International. He has spent the past four years as Kerry’s chief operations officer for its biotechnology business and global vice president of manufacturing.
His appointment reflects the wider demands shaping food and beverage industry trends, including advances in food manufacturing trends, food processing technology and food distribution trends. It also comes as manufacturers respond to food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability priorities, evolving food and drink regulations, and changes in food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and food and drink consumer trends.
Pladis’ chief HR officer, Geraldine Fraser, said: “Mario and his teams have played a central role in building the supply chain and manufacturing network we have today. Through significant investment and transformation, he has helped create a stronger platform for growth across our business.
“Frankgerald brings significant baking industry expertise, international experience and a strong track record of leading complex organisations. He joins us at an important point in our journey and will build on the strong foundations already in place as we focus on the next phase of growth.”
Stepp added: “Pladis has built an impressive portfolio of brands and a strong manufacturing network across its markets. I’m looking forward to joining the business and working with colleagues around the world to build on that foundation and support the company’s long-term ambitions.”
