In a strategic move aimed at fostering growth in its European operations, Mondelēz International has appointed Volker Kuhn, formerly of Reckitt, as the new Executive Vice President for Europe. This appointment comes as Vinzenz Gruber retires, marking a significant leadership transition slated for 6 January 2025.
Volker Kuhn joins Mondelēz with a robust background in consumer packaged goods, having served as Reckitt’s hygiene president. His tenure at Reckitt was marked by innovation and growth, both in terms of top-line revenue and bottom-line performance, achieved through a focus on consumer needs and category expansion.
Prior to his role at Reckitt, Kuhn spent 26 years at Procter & Gamble. His experience there included leading various consumer product categories, with a notable decade heading the Pringles snacks division in Europe. Such vast experience in the FMCG sector equips him well to drive Mondelēz’s ambitions forward in the European market.
Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz, expressed his enthusiasm about Kuhn’s appointment, highlighting his impressive track record and leadership skills. Van de Put stated, “We’re delighted to welcome Volker Kuhn to our Mondelēz International family. 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.”
The departure of Vinzenz Gruber is acknowledged with gratitude by Van de Put, as he reflected on Gruber’s leadership. Under Gruber, Mondelēz strengthened its core brands including Cadbury, Milka, and Oreo across Europe, while successfully branching into new product categories such as snack bars and pastries. Van de Put remarked, “With Vince at the helm, we have advanced core brands including Cadbury, Milka and Oreo across Europe, while expanding into exciting adjacencies such as snack bars, cakes and pastries – setting up the business for continued growth and success. We wish him the very best in retirement.”
Volker Kuhn’s appointment as Executive Vice President for Europe signals Mondelēz’s commitment to growth and innovation in the region. With his extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities, Kuhn is expected to continue the momentum established by his predecessor, driving forward the company’s ambitions in the European market.
