WCF names next president; Cargill appoints new chocolate & cocoa chief

Industry-led cocoa sustainability body WCF has appointed World Bank veteran Richard Scobey as the organization’s president.

Meanwhile, the world’s second largest cocoa processor Cargill has named Harold Polema, its current managing director for its refined oils business in Europe, as president of its global cocoa and chocolate businesses.

WCF appointment​

WCF has 105 members including large chocolate companies such as Mars, Mondelēz, Nestlé, Hershey and Ferrero.  

The international body is seeking alignment on cocoa sustainability efforts through initiatives such as the voluntary strategy CocoaAction.​​

Former president Bill Guyton had led the organization since its inception in 2000, but departed WCF​​ in December last year.

Tim McCoy has served as interim president since Guyton’s departure.

Scobey will begin his new role on July 11, 2016. He has been with the World Bank since 1986 and most recently served as deputy director general in the Independent Evaluation Group.

Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate businesses​

Jos de Loor, former business leader of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, will leave the company next month after 29 years in various positions.

He has been in his current role since 2006.

Poelma, who has been with Cargill since 1987, has already begun his new role as president of Cargill’s global cocoa and chocolate businesses.

He was formerly managing director of Cargill’s cocoa activities in Europe and held other roles in the company’s feed and oilseeds divisions.