Swiss food manufacturing company Hero Group has elevated chief business officer Christian Schierbaum to the role of CEO.
Schierbaum will take over from Rob Versloot, who is stepping down after more than 12 years leading the organization behind notable brands such as Schwartau, Semper, and Freche Freunde.
According to a statement from Hero, the group has undergone a “very successful transformation.” During Versloot’s leadership, the company shifted from a decentralized holding to an “integrated, focused, and fast-growing” organization.
Versloot remarked: “After growing the company consistently at double-digit pace in the last three years, and implementing initiatives to future-proof our operations, Hero is now on a solid foundation and well-positioned for the future.”
Schierbaum joined Hero, headquartered in Lenzburg, in 2019 as chief marketing officer. Three years later, he assumed broader responsibilities as chief business officer.
Bringing over 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector, he has held senior positions at renowned companies, including Wella, Reckitt Benckiser, and Mondelēz International across Europe.
Schierbaum, who officially becomes Hero CEO on June 1, stated: “We can now embark on the next phase of Hero’s future, which will embrace a more focused approach to snacking while continuing to expand our entire portfolio.”
In 2024, Hero consolidated its jam production in Spain, sold production sites in Switzerland and Sweden, and divested its Nordic gluten-free business to Dr. Schär.
Additionally, Hero acquired the UK-based healthy food brand Deliciously Ella to “help supercharge sales” in the UK and other regions.
Hero’s net sales for 2024 increased by 2.6% to SFr1.25 billion ($1.51 billion), while its gross margin improved to 32.1% from 31% in 2023.
Moreover, the company’s operating profit surged approximately 134.7% in 2024, reaching SFr54.7 million.
Net income for the year rose by approximately 231.3% to SFr36.5 million.
In announcing these results in March, Versloot said: “We believe the company is now on a stronger footing thanks to the difficult but necessary decisions we made regarding our transformation and strategy moving forward.”