Dirk Van de Put

Position: Chair and CEO of Mondelēz International

Biography

Dirk Van de Put was born on March 18, 1960, in Mechelen, Belgium. He earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University and later obtained a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Antwerp. His unique educational background has contributed to his analytical and results-driven approach in the corporate world.

Before joining Mondelēz International, Van de Put held several leadership positions in the food and beverage industry. He served as CEO of McCain Foods, the world's largest producer of frozen potato products, from 2011 to 2017. During his tenure at McCain Foods, Van de Put successfully grew the company's global presence and enhanced its operational efficiencies.

Prior to McCain Foods, Van de Put spent more than a decade at Groupe Danone, where he held various executive positions, including President of the Americas. His experience at Danone significantly broadened his understanding of the dairy market and its various dynamics.

Current Place of Work

As of 2023, Dirk Van de Put serves as the chair and CEO of Mondelēz International, a leading global snack and confectionery company. Mondelēz International is known for its diverse product portfolio, which includes iconic brands such as Oreo, Cadbury, and Milka, many of which have substantial dairy components.

Important Events

Dirk Van de Put's leadership at Mondelēz International has been marked by several significant events:

2017 - Appointed CEO: In November 2017, Dirk Van de Put was appointed as CEO of Mondelēz International, succeeding Irene Rosenfeld. His appointment was based on his extensive experience and proven track record in the food industry.
Strategic Acquisitions: Under his leadership, Mondelēz International has made key acquisitions to strengthen its market presence. One notable acquisition was the purchase of the Tate's Bake Shop in 2018 for $500 million, which expanded Mondelēz's premium cookie portfolio.
Sustainability Initiatives: Van de Put has been a strong advocate for sustainability within the company. In 2020, Mondelēz International announced its commitment to sourcing 100% of its cocoa for chocolate brands through its Cocoa Life program by 2025, focusing on sustainable farming practices.
Performance Amidst Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Van de Put effectively navigated the company through unprecedented challenges, ensuring business continuity and adapting to shifting consumer behaviors.

Dirk Van de Put's visionary leadership continues to drive Mondelēz International towards sustained growth and innovation, solidifying his influence in the dairy market and the broader food industry.

Modified: 2025/02/04