Michael Schai appointed as CEO

ARYZTA AG has unanimously appointed Michael Schai as Chief Executive Officer.

With a strong global track record in the food industry across Australia, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, he is a seasoned senior executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience at global organisations including Mars, ARYZTA, and Lindt & Sprüngli in the consumer goods and baked goods sectors. At HIESTAND / ARYZTA, Michael held a variety of roles across the Group in Switzerland and Asia-Pacific and was responsible for the Global Bun Bakeries Business.

His roles have spanned marketing, sales, strategic development, and operational leadership across Australia, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Michael has the necessary bakery experience, proven leadership skills and extensive international commercial knowledge in the European, Australian, and Asian markets, that will continue ARYZTA’s success.

From 2025, interim CEO and chair of the board Urs Jordi will focus on his board member role following four years of also operating as chief executive.

‘It has been an honour for me 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 in January 2025, I am delighted to continue as ARYZTA’s Chairman and member of the Board.’

Michael Schai will begin his appointment effective 1 January 2025.