Volker Kuhn has been appointed executive vice president and president for Europe
(Mondelez International)
Global confectionery giant Mondelēz International has announced its new executive vice president and president for Europe.
Volker Kuhn will replace soon-to-retire Vinzenz Gruber as executive VP and president for Europe on 1 April next year, but will join the business from 6 January to ensure a smooth transition.
Reporting directly into chair and CEO Dirk Van de Put, Kuhn’s last role was as president for Reckitt’s hygiene business, where he generated increased sales through “innovation, consumer centricity and category growth”.
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Prior to Reckitt, Kuhn worked for Procter & Gamble for 26 years, where he drove growth through business turnarounds across the Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa regions.
Cadbury and Milka growth
He’s held significant roles within the FMCG industry, including 10 years leading Europe’s Pringles Snacks division, as well a having experience in finance, brand marketing, business development and general management.
His experience will be utilised in advancing Mondelēz‘s core brands including Cadbury, Milka and Oreo across Europe, as well as helping to deliver on Mondelēz‘s strategy to grow into other snacking segments, like bars, cakes and pastries.
“We’re delighted to welcome Volker Kuhn,” said Van de Put.
“His breadth and depth of international consumer packaged goods experience, coupled with his track record of impressive results and leadership impact, position him well to accelerate growth in our European region while continuing to strengthen consumer loyalty to our iconic brands.”
Outgoing Mondelēz International Europe boss
The incoming Europe head also has experience as a non-executive board member of FROSTA AG, the leading European frozen food company.
He holds dual German/Swiss citizenship, and is fluent in German, English and French and holds a master’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Fribourg.
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Of outgoing Gruber, Van de Put said: “On behalf of team Mondelēz, and especially our European colleagues, I’d like to thank Vince for his strong leadership and passionate dedication in driving commercial and operational excellence, consumer loyalty, and employee development.”
Gruber’s role in delivering strong results for the business was also praised by Van de Put, who said he’d set Europe’s operations up for “continued growth and success”.
