New appointment at Orkla

Orkla has appointed Ann-Beth Freuchen as its new executive VP and CEO of its Confectionery and Snacks business area. Freuchen succeeds Christer B. Åberg who is leaving to take up the post of CEO and president of the Hilding Anders Group.

Ms Freuchen has been CEO of Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Norge since the company was established in April 2013 as a result of the merger of the Norwegian companies KiMs, Sætre and Nidar. Prior to that, she was CEO of KiMs Norge.

“We are very glad that Ann-Beth has accepted the position as head of Orkla Confectionery & Snacks. She has long and solid experience in this area of Orkla and extensive brand expertise,” says Orkla president and CEO Peter A. Ruzicka.

“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. I want to take this opportunity to thank Christer for his outstanding efforts at Orkla and wish him every success for the future.”

The formal change of leadership will take place on 1 July 2015.