Tony’s Chocolonely confirms autumn departure for chief choc officer Henk Jan Beltman

Dutch ethically-led confectionery brand Tony’s Chocolonely has confirmed that Henk Jan Beltman, its chief chocolate officer is set to leave the business this October, writes Neill Barston.

The senior executive has played a notable role in the company, that has strived for its 100% slave free mission targeting child labour within its key supply chains in West Africa.

However, the brand has conceded there remains significant work to be done, after its latest annual report last year found a sizeable increase in cases of young people illegally employed within the sector.

According to the company’s own studies, there were 1,701 cases of child labour within its supply chain between 2020-2021, with the industry coming under renewed pressure within Ghana and Ivory Coast amid the pandemic.

Despite the increase in cases, the company has claimed notable successes in its fight on the issue, following a number of high-profile campaigns engaging with consumers on raising awareness among consumers.

Speaking on his departure, Henk Jan, said: “We’re living in a crazy time. After a worldwide pandemic, we’re now facing a horrible situation in Ukraine. What I want to share with you is nothing compared to this.

“After almost 12 years as Tony’s chief chocolate officer, this coming October, I’ll be handing over the baton and making way for Tony’s Chocolonely to flourish in an exciting, new chapter. This new chapter outgrows what I’ve liked most in my role; hands-on making impact as an entrepreneur.

“It’s been one helluva rollercoaster – one I wouldn’t have missed for anything in the world. Leading this bold, mission-driven impact business has been an absolute honour. Looking back, I feel privileged to have worked with the talented team Tonys. I am proud of the impact we’ve made together thus far. And I feel excited about the impact that Tony’s will make in the years to come.

Tony’s is lucky to have a new CEO in Douglas Lamont and I am delighted to hand over to him – with his wealth of experience in scaling innocent drinks internationally, he’s the perfect person to continue to drive Tony’s Chocolonely’s mission. I’m confident that, together with Tony’s team, our vision of making 100% slave free the norm in chocolate is in good hands.

All that being said, I’m very much looking forward to continuing my involvement in Tony’s mission and growth as shareholder and advisor on the supervisory board. I want to take this moment to thank the entire team Tony’s, all the cocoa farmers and partner cooperatives who’ve joined us on this journey, and all you Choco Fans out there who’ve loved our chocolate and shared our story. A big fat thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you,” added the executive, said the company would continue its quest tackling child labour.