Barry Callebaut appoints Thomas Gaengler as Chief Operating Officer
The appointment comes as Barry Callebaut reports stronger third-quarter volumes and outlines expectations for its fiscal 2025/26 performance.
SWITZERLAND – Barry Callebaut has appointed Thomas Gaengler as Chief Operating Officer and a member of its Executive Committee, effective September 1, 2026, succeeding Clemens Woehrle.
Gaengler joins Barry Callebaut from Mondelez International, bringing more than 30 years of international leadership experience across supply chain, procurement and operations.
Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, End-to-End Supply Chain, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (AMEA), where he strengthened alignment and collaboration.
For the past four years, Gaengler led Mondelez’ procurement organization as Global Chief Procurement Officer.
“I am delighted to welcome Thomas to Barry Callebaut. Thomas will help lead the next phase of our journey, with a continued focus on customer-centricity, operational excellence, and strengthening our position as the world’s leading chocolate and cocoa solutions partner,” said Hein Schumacher, CEO of Barry Callebaut.
“His global leadership experience in the sector and ability to build strong partnerships across the organization will be invaluable as we continue to execute our Focus for Growth priorities,” Schumacher added.
The appointment comes as Barry Callebaut reported a return to volume growth in the third quarter, although volumes remained lower for nine months. Group volumes increased 5.7% in Q3, narrowing the decline to 2.8%.
The recovery was supported by stronger Global Cocoa demand, continued momentum in AMEA and improved service levels in North America.
Food Manufacturers volumes declined 2.3%, reflecting challenging market demand and supply disruptions in North America during the first half. The division returned to growth in the third quarter.
Sales revenue reached CHF 9,557.1 million, or US$11.85 billion, down 9.5% in local currencies, reflecting lower volumes and negative cocoa bean-linked pricing.
“In the third quarter, sales revenue decreased by -21.0% in local currencies (-23.4% in CHF), with pricing declining significantly as a result of lower cocoa bean prices,” the company said.
Barry Callebaut now expects fiscal 2025/26 volume to decrease by around 1%.
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