FoodDrinkEurope elects new president

Weber has been a member of FoodDrinkEurope’s board since September 2013 and has contributed to the organisation on a number of health and nutrition issues.

He was appointed executive vice president and president of Mondelēz Europe the same year and is responsible for the company’s largest region by sales, generating about £10.8bn in annual revenues.

Between 2010 and 2013, Weber led the European and Global Coffee category for Mondelēz International. He oversaw the expansion of the Tassimo brand and new product launches – such as Millicano whole-bean instant coffee.

Responsible for sales strategy​

During his 25-year career with the company he has been responsible for sales strategy in global and regional roles and has worked in seven European countries, as well as the US.

“It is a great honour to represent the European food and drink sector as president of FoodDrinkEurope at this dynamic and critically important time for our region,”​ said Weber.

“As a leading economic contributor and employer in Europe, I look forward on behalf of my colleagues to engaging with our key partners and to representing the best interests of our industry, consumers and employees.”​

‘Best interests of our industry’​

Weber will take over from Mars Europe & Eurasia regional president Gilles Morel, who had been president since June 2015.

Commenting on Weber’s appointment, Morel said: “I hope my successor enjoys this role as much as I have. It is both very pleasurable and challenging and I know I am leaving the organisation in good hands.”​

Weber added: “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to succeed Gilles Morel and to build on the excellent work that he and the Secretariat have done in recent years.”​

Meanwhile, in May FoodDrinkEurope launched a call for action​ to help improve consumers’ diets and promote good health and nutrition at this year’s European Business Summit.