Chocolate maker Neuhaus gets a new cherry on top

Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus sees a change at the top as CEO Ignace Van Doorselaere is to leave the company on 1 November. Commercial Director Isabel Baert will take over.

A third more sales

Van Doorselaere joined the company (along with Baert) six years ago after he stepped down as CEO at lingerie specialist Van De Velde. Contrary to that acrimonious split, however, this abdication is not mixed with any disagreement between the two parties, Belgian newspaper De Tijd reports. Van Doorselaere has said he will be embarking on a new challenge , but has yet to reveal his next destination.

Since Van Doorselaere’s arrival, Neuhaus’ turnover has increased by a third to 116 million euros last year, even though the company was hit hard by the Covid pandemic, the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the salmonella crisis at Barry Callebaut. Its ebitda has risen from 11 million euros to 16 million euros over the last six years, with a temporary loss of 2.9 million euros in 2020.