Hershey international head retires; Ecom taps Mondelēz cocoa chief and Orkla hires new candy boss

Hershey’s International chief has announced his retirement; Orkla appoints a new confectionery CEO and Ecom takes on Mondelēz's former head of cocoa.

Hershey’s president for its international business Humberto (Bert) P. Alfonso will retire from the company aged 57.

“Bert has led our International business for the last two years, laying the foundation for future growth in these important markets," said John P. Bilbrey, Chairman, President and CEO, The Hershey Company.

Hershey - which has labelled China, Mexico and Brazil its international priorities - has yet to announce Alfonso’s successor.

New CEO for Orkla Confectionery & Snacks

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Ann-Beth Freuchen, incoming CEO Orkla Confectionery & Snacks

Norwegian consumer goods firm Orkla has appointed the current CEO of its Norwegian confectionery & snacks business to lead the global confectionery & snacks business, which was established as separate division in 2013. Ann-Beth Freuchen, who has been at Orkla since 1996, succeeds the incumbent Christer B. Åberg, who has left to become president and CEO of bed business Hilding Anders Group.

Freuchen will take up the new role from 1 July 2015.

Peter A. Ruzicka, president and CEO of Orkla ASA, said: “Under Christer’s leadership, Orkla Confectionery & Snacks has established larger, more competitive chocolate, biscuit and snacks companies in the Nordic region. We have also acquired NP Foods in Latvia with its strong local brands, and close to doubled our presence in the Baltics.”

Ecom taps Mondelēz for cocoa trading chief

Cocoa and sugar trader Ecom has appointed the former head of Mondelēz International’s cocoa business Scott Amoye as global trading dierector, according to Reuters.

Amoye left the Cadbury brand owner at the end of February, and joined Ecom Agrotrade Ltd on April 7.