Hero strengthens Board of Directors with two experienced FMCG leaders

Magdalena Gerger and Albert Baladi officially joined the Board on 1 August, bringing deep international leadership experience, strong consumer goods expertise, and complementary perspectives that will support Hero as it sharpens its strategic focus and continues to build a more consumer-intimate organisation.

“We are most pleased to welcome Magdalena Gerger and Albert Baladi to our Board of Directors,” said Hero’s Board Chairman Herbert J. Scheidt. “Their proven track records in leading and shaping successful consumer goods businesses will be highly valuable as Hero advances its vision to become a leader in better snacking.”

Leopold Oetker, Vice-Chairman of Hero’s Board, added that the two appointments bring additional strategic depth to the Board at an important stage in Hero’s transformation. Their experience across categories, geographies, brands, and business models will help the Group achieve its Hero 2035 priorities, including a stronger focus on better snacking while continuing to develop its heritage businesses.

Magdalena Gerger, a Swedish national, is the former CEO of Systembolaget, the large Swedish retailer of wine, beers and spirits; she is recognised for her leadership grounded in results, consumer orientation, values, and people. Before joining Systembolaget, she held senior roles at Arla Foods, Nestlé, ICI Paints, Procter & Gamble and Diageo. She currently serves inter alia as Chairperson of the British-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Nefab Group and Colart Ltd, and as a non-executive director at Investor AB, having previously served on the board of IKEA. Her broad consumer goods experience, people-centred leadership, and strong governance perspective will further strengthen Hero’s ability to deliver sustainable growth.

Albert Baladi, a Spanish national of Lebanese origin, is the former CEO of Beam Suntory, now known as Suntory Global Spirits. During his tenure, he led the company’s growth strategy and transformation into a leading global premium spirits business, reshaping the company’s portfolio and delivering industry-leading global growth. He has also held senior leadership roles at Yum! Brands, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble, building particularly strong experience in the US market. He currently serves on the boards of BIC, Pernod Ricard and Kenetik, a functional beverage start-up, and as an Advisory Board Member of StrawberryFrog and VORTO. With extensive exposure to key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and with a deep understanding of the US and multicultural environments, he brings strong functional expertise in innovation, brand building, commercial execution, international growth, and portfolio development.

Christian Schierbaum, CEO of Hero Group, said the appointments reflect Hero’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities required to become a leading player in better snacking.

“Albert and Magdalena bring highly relevant experience from different markets, categories, and leadership contexts,” added Leopold Oetker. “Their perspectives will help us further sharpen our strategic roadmap, strengthen our consumer focus, and support the successful execution of Hero 2035.”

Media contact:
Stephen Chetcuti
stephen.chetcuti@hero.ch