Aryzta has announced the appointment of Michael Schai as chief executive officer of the company, effective from 1 January 2025.
Schai has more than 25 years of experience at global organisations including Mars, Aryzta and Lindt & Sprüngli in the consumer goods and baked goods sectors.
At Aryzta – the company which owns Cuisine de France – Schai has held a variety of roles and was responsible for the Global Bun Bakeries Business in his last position.
His roles have spanned marketing, sales, strategic development and operational leadership across Australia, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Schai will be relocating to Switzerland to take on the role as he leaves behind his current position of CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli, Australia.
‘Stability And Continued Performance’
From 2025, interim CEO and chair of the board Urs Jordi will focus on his board member role following four years also operating as chief executive.
Speaking about his changing role, Jordi said, “It has been an honour to lead Aryzta since my appointment by the board as interim CEO in November 2020 and to deliver on our promises to our shareholders and stakeholders.
“As I hand over the CEO role to Michael Schai, I am delighted to continue as Aryzta’s chairman and member of the board.
“Mr. Schai has the necessary bakery experience, proven leadership skills and extensive international commercial knowledge in the European, Australian and Asian markets, that we need to continue Aryzta’s success.
“Today’s appointment combined with continued strong support and oversight by the board will ensure stability and continued performance at Aryzta.”
On his appointment, Schai said, “I am delighted to return to Aryzta as CEO of the Group.
“I have followed the success of the turnaround in a period of numerous challenges both internal and external.
“This is representative of the resilience, commitment and passion of Urs Jordi, the senior executive team, its board of directors and the management and employees.
“I am looking forward to taking the baton from Mr. Jordi and continuing the progress and further improving shareholder value.”
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