The transformation initiated last year has now been driven forward in an intensive strategy process. Specifically, the following measures have been decided:

• Processes will be centralized and structures streamlined in order to operate more agilely in a dynamic market environment.        

• In addition to the core region DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Bahlsen will focus on the growth markets Great Britain, USA and Metro Asia.

With the adjustment of its organizational model, Bahlsen is focusing on a global "One Bahlsen" strategy with centrally controlled processes in core areas of the business such as marketing, innovation, finance, human resources and IT. This will improve the framework to respond agilely, efficiently and effectively to the immense challenges of the international food market.

CEO Phil Rumbol said, "Bahlsen has always stood for high quality, passion for our business and for the model of the long-term oriented family business. In the future, we will focus even more than before on strong brands, innovation and sustainability. With this strategic focus and our new organizational model, we are creating the conditions to achieve our long-term goals."

As part of the upcoming reorganization, a total of around 100 jobs will be cut over a period of three years, approximately 60 percent of them in 2021. The majority of the jobs affected are in Germany. The job cuts will affect all hierarchical levels. Production, logistics and Bahlsen sales points (outlets) are excluded. The personnel adjustment measures are being discussed in confidence with the relevant employee bodies. Socially acceptable solutions will be sought for affected employees.

"The family, the Board of Directors and the management stand together behind the realignment," said Werner M. Bahlsen. "We have experienced and helped shape many changes in our 132-year company history. In the process, our identity as a family business has always been an important unique selling point. On this basis, we are now embarking on new paths to continue writing this success story in the future."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phil Rumbol, the recently appointed CEO said: “We have great products, but I believe there is an opportunity to make our brands even stronger. Now is the time to re-discovering the spirit of distinctive marketing and innovation on which the company was founded. These organisational changes are the first step in putting brand building and innovation at the heart of the company.”

To achieve this, Bahlsen will create two separate Group Brand and Innovation teams to enable one to focus more single-mindedly on brand custodianship, and the other on developing innovative new products.

Claire Sutton has been appointed as the new Marketing Director and will lead this dedicated Group Brand (and Insight) team with immediate effect. “What I’m most looking forward to is getting stuck in to the challenge of growing our brands internationally - in Germany and beyond. Our clear objective now is to ensure our products are as well known outside of Germany as they are within it.”

It was also announced that the current Global Brand Officer Willem de Bruijn will leave the company at the end of the month after his current role was split into a number of smaller roles. Phil Rumbol said: “Willem has played a leading role in putting more focus on our brands and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for him contribution and wish him the best for the future.”

Other organisations changes include the installation of HERMANN’S¹ inside the Bahlsen company. To reflect their dual role as the organization’s innovation hub and external networking space this team will be called HERMANN’S FOOD STUDIO and be based in Berlin.

¹HERMANN’S was set up in 2017 as a restaurant and a platform for food innovators, start-ups and consumers and as an innovation consultancy within the food sector. (www.hermanns.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As active shareholder, Verena Bahlsen will represent the next generation of the company. As such she will work closely with the Management Board to help shape and define the long-term direction of the company. She will support the development of Bahlsen as a brand led, socially responsible and financially successful company. Choosing a non-executive role, Verena will implement the family’s vision and play her strengths around food innovation, cultural transformation and brand building.

Werner M. Bahlsen says “I’m really pleased that Verena is taking on this role. We share a vision of where the company should go. She is passionate about the future of the company and with her clear vision and progressive thinking, I am confident she will help to steer it in the right direction.” Verena Bahlsen goes on to say „I’m taking the new role and the accompanying responsibilities very seriously. What connects my dad and I is our passion for food, entrepreneurship and the products as well as our brands. I‘m looking forward to start working with the Management Board.”

As part of the process of generational change, Werner and Verena Bahlsen have jointly undertaken an international search for a new CEO. They are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Rumbol as the first non-family CEO of Bahlsen effective April 7^th, 2020. Phil has over 30 years of commercial experience working for the likes of Cadbury, AB InBev, Heineken and Kraft. Most recently he has been working for Bahlsen’s global agency partner, MullenLowe, having co-founded and sold his own business to them in 2017.  He therefore offers an unusual blend of business transformation, brand building and commercial delivery in multinationals, combined with the dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of start-ups.

Werner M. Bahlsen explains “Appointing the first non-family CEO is an important moment for our company. We specifically searched for someone who shares our family vision and core values. Phil has a strong track record of business transformation and Verena and I believe he is the right person to lead our company into a new chapter.”

Phil Rumbol says about his new role “It’s an honour and privilege to become the first non-family CEO of Bahlsen. It’s a wonderful family business with great products and a rich heritage. Having spent time with Verena and Werner, I was drawn to the inspiring vision they have for the business and look forward to working with everyone to make this vision a reality.“