Aryzta appoints Michael Schai as new CEO from the beginning of 2025

Michael Schai is a dual citizen of Switzerland and Australia. He is currently still working as Country CEO for Lindt & Sprüngli in Australia, as Aryzta announced on Monday. He previously worked for Mars, among others, but has also previously worked for Aryzta. According to the press release, he has over 25 years of experience in the consumer goods and baked goods sector.

In the press release, Chairman and CEO Jordi expressed his confidence that Schai's appointment will ensure stability and sustained performance at Aryzta. Schai will move back to Switzerland for his new role.

This change marks the end of Urs Jordi's dual mandate, which had been criticized by voting rights advisor Ethos, for example, as lasting too long. He was appointed to the post of CEO on an interim basis in November 2020 after the resignation of previous CEO Kevin Toland.

Aryzta in the crossfire of activists

Aryzta had a turbulent year behind it at the time: the already struggling frozen bakery was further shaken by the coronavirus crisis. This brought activist investors onto the scene. As a result, the major shareholders Veraison and Cobas installed a new head on the Board of Directors in September 2020, led by former Hiestand CEO Urs Jordi.

However, by this time, the Group had also come to the attention of US billionaire Paul Singer's hedge fund Elliott Advisors, which was notorious for its aggressive approach. However, his takeover bid was ultimately unsuccessful.

Before the merger with Aryzta in 2008, Jordi was CEO of the formerly listed Hiestand Holding. Aryzta had already announced in fall 2022 that he would continue his dual mandate until the end of 2024 at the request of the Board of Directors.