Press releases

• Family committed to long-term future of Group
• Mission, vision and strategy remain unchanged

Lenzburg, April 6, 2016: Leopold Oetker has been appointed to serve as a member on the Board of Directors of the Hero Group, which follows a mission to delight consumers by conserving the goodness of nature. The appointment, which is effective immediately, was formalized during the annual shareholders meeting held today at the Group headquarters in Lenzburg, Switzerland.

The Oetker family are the shareholders of the Hero Group, and Leopold Oetker follows in the steps of his father, Dr Arend Oetker, who sat on the board until January 2013 when he took on the role as Honorary Chairman.

“We believe the company is on solid foundations and we want to see it further develop in the coming years. As a family, we are committed to the long-term future of the Hero Group,” Leopold Oetker said, adding that he was full supportive of the mission, vision and strategy being pursued by the Group.

Rob Versloot, Hero Group CEO, said he was delighted to welcome Leopold Oetker to the Hero family: “Being a family-owned company is a great value proposition for our employees and consumers, and the continued commitment of the Oetker family to the Group is great news for the continuation of the work that has already been done over the years.”

About Hero Group
The Hero Group is an international food company focused on branded nutritional food products. The company was founded in 1886 in Lenzburg, Switzerland, where its headquarters are still located today. Hero's main core product categories of Baby and Toddler Food and Milks, Jams, and Cereal Bars are complemented by its activities in the Decoration and Gluten-free product segments. The Group, which lives by its mission to delight consumers by conserving the goodness of nature, boasts a global footprint and its portfolio consists of many well-known international and local brands. In 2014, the Group generated revenues of more than CHF 1.3 billion.

About Leopold Oetker
Leopold Oetker successfully completed his studies in Culture Studies and History in Berlin and Copenhagen. Over the past two years, Mr Oetker undertook an international business development traineeship at the Hero Group’s former partner Yildiz Holding and worked at the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Mr Oetker is also involved in charitable work, helping underprivileged children in Berlin.

Press contact
Stephen Chetcuti
Corporate Communications Manager
+41 (0)79 616 1467
stephen.chetcuti@hero.ch