NEWS | Industry Updates


Mondelēz International welcomes new UK & Ireland MD


Mondelēz International has announced the appointment of Christian Woolfenden as senior vice president and managing director UK&I, who takes up the role this month. Mr Woolfenden brings extensive leadership experience from highly competitive and consumer-focused industries, with a strong track record of driving innovation, transformation and responsible growth. He joins Mondelēz International at an exciting time, as the company continues to lead and invest in UK and Irish manufacturing, research and development, and trusted heritage brands. In his role, he will lead Mondelēz International’s UK and Ireland business, home to iconic brands including Cadbury, Maynard Bassetts, belVita and Oreo. He will focus on growing brands that UK and Irish consumers love. Mr Woolfenden follows Louise Stigant, who announced her


retirement from Mondelēz International in December 2025, after a 30-year career with the company. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Woolfenden said: “I am incredibly excited to join Mondelēz International and lead the UK&I


business. It’s a fantastic opportunity to join and I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue driving growth and innovation across the company’s iconic portfolio of snacking brands.” Volker Kuhn, EVP and president, Europe added: “We are delighted to welcome Christian to Mondelēz International. His proven leadership and extensive experience in the FMCG sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business in the UK and Ireland. He will build on the incredibly strong foundation Louise and her team established.” The appointment follows an impactful 2025 for the UK&I Business


Unit. It has rolled out packaging with 80% certified recycled material on around 300 million Cadbury Dairy Milk sharing bars; collaborated with Lotus Bakeries, launched Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff, bringing together two iconic tastes and brands; and opened a state-of-the- art Consumer Research Centre in Bournville which brings together cutting-edge technology, sensory expertise, and consumer insights to innovate and develop new chocolate products for brands such as Cadbury, Toblerone, and Milka.


Evoca Group announces CEO transition


Evoca Group has announced that Norman Rafael has been appointed chief executive, effective 5 February 2026. Jochen Fabritius has stepped down from his role as chief executive and, subject to the necessary corporate approvals, will assume the role of Chairman of Evoca Group. The leadership transition follows the succession plan announced on 31 March 2025. Continuity of leadership has been ensured throughout the transition, with Mr Rafael closely involved in the Group’s day- to-day management and strategic direction. During his tenure as chief executive, Mr


Fabritius led Evoca Group through a period of significant transformation, strengthening operational performance and positioning the Group for long-term success. The Board


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expressed its appreciation for his leadership and for ensuring a smooth and orderly transition. Mr Rafael, formerly chief operating officer


of Evoca Group, brings deep operational experience and a strong understanding of the Group’s strategy. As chief executive, he will continue to focus on growth, operational excellence, and maintaining the strategic momentum across the Group. Commenting on the transition, Mr


Fabritius said: “I am proud of what Evoca Group has achieved in recent years and grateful for the commitment of our teams. I look forward to continuing to support the Group in my role as Chairman and to working closely with Norman as he leads Evoca into its next phase.”


Mr Rafael added: “It is an honour to take on the role of chief executive. Together with our teams, customers, and partners, my focus will be on executing our strategy, ensuring continuity, and delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders by serving our customers as best as we can at the heart of all our decisions.”


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