FDBusiness.com

Ann-Beth Freuchen (pictured) has been appointed Orkla Executive VP and CEO of the Orkla Confectionery & Snacks business area. She succeeds Christer B Aberg, who is leaving to take up the post of CEO and President of the Hilding Anders Group, Europe’s leading supplier of beds and mattresses.

Ann-Beth 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. She has been with Orkla since 1996 and also has experience as Marketing Director and Sales Director in the former Nidar.

“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.

The formal change of leadership will take place on 1 July 2015. Work has begun on the process of finding Ann-Beth Freuchen’s successor.

Orkla Confectionery & Snacks is one of Orkla’s five business areas. In 2014, the business area had a turnover of around NOK5 billion and 2,359 employees at year-end. Orkla Confectionery & Snacks comprises the companies Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Norge, Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Sverige, KiMs in Denmark, Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Finland, Latfood and NP Foods in Latvia and Kalev in Estonia.