European private-label ice cream producer Glacier has named Marc Auclair as its new chief executive officer.
Auclair moves to Glacier from French confectionery company Carambar & Co., which was acquired last year by US-based Ferrara Candy.
He takes over from Matt Frost, who served as executive director from Glacier’s establishment and led the company through its initial development.
Backed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Afendis Capital Management, Glacier has been assembled through a series of acquisitions across Europe. The group includes the combination of ice cream producers Ysco and Gelato d’Italia.
Auclair spent four years leading Carambar. Before that, he was chief executive of Herta Foods Group for 11 months until November 2022, having joined the cooked meats supplier after four years with Soufflet Group.
“Marc brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong track record across the European food industry,” Glacier chairman Cem Karakaş said.
“His operational expertise and experience of leading businesses through periods of growth and transformation will be invaluable as Glacier continues to invest in its capabilities and pursue further growth.”
Earlier this year, Glacier obtained €400m ($447.5m) in financing. In July, the company also unveiled a €45m investment programme aimed at expanding its ice cream manufacturing sites in Italy and Belgium.
Auclair said he was joining the business during a period of “strong momentum” and intended to build on its established operations.
“Having spent my career across the food industry, I’m excited to bring that experience to the innovative world of ice cream,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know our customers and partners and building on the strong foundations already in place as we continue Glacier’s next phase of growth.”
