Cadbury-owner Mondelēz has announced the appointment of Volker Kuhn, previously Reckitt’s hygiene president, as the new executive vice president for Europe, marking a significant leadership change aimed at boosting growth in the region.
Volker Kuhn, known for his impressive performance at Reckitt, will assume his new role at Mondelēz on 6 January 2025. He succeeds Vinzenz Gruber, who is retiring after a notable tenure at the company. Kuhn’s appointment signals a strategic move to enhance Mondelēz’s growth prospects in Europe, leveraging his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
Kuhn’s previous role at Reckitt involved spearheading innovations and focusing on consumer needs, resulting in significant top and bottom-line achievements. His career also includes 26 years at Procter & Gamble, where he led several consumer product divisions, notably overseeing the Pringles snacks division in Europe for a decade. This background equips him with the skills necessary to drive Mondelēz’s brands forward.
Dirk Van de Put, Mondelēz’s chair and chief executive, expressed confidence in Kuhn’s ability to build on the company’s successes, particularly in strengthening consumer loyalty to its well-known brands such as Cadbury, Milka, and Oreo. Van de Put noted that under Gruber’s leadership, the company had advanced its core brands and expanded into new product areas like snack bars and pastries, setting a solid foundation for ongoing growth.
Van de Put also acknowledged Gruber’s effective leadership, which was characterised by a strong focus on commercial excellence and employee development. Gruber’s leadership was instrumental in expanding Mondelēz’s reach with strategic brand advancements and new market entries.
Volker Kuhn’s appointment as Mondelēz’s executive vice president for Europe represents a purposeful endeavour to enhance the company’s market position and foster robust brand growth across the continent, continuing the legacy of innovation and consumer focus advanced by his predecessor.
