Ibrahim Najafi to retire as Froneri CEO, succeeded by Phil Griffin
Source: The DairyNews
Froneri announces that Ibrahim Najafi is to retire as Chief Executive Officer and from the Board, following more than eight years leading the Group, with Phil Griffin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, as his successor.
Ibrahim has led Froneri since its formation in 2016, which saw the combination of R&R Ice Cream together with elements of Nestlé’s ice cream business. Under his successful leadership, Froneri has grown to become the world’s second largest ice-cream producer, generating revenue in excess of €5 billion across 23 markets. Prior to Froneri, Ibrahim was part of R&R Ice Cream for more than 17 years, where he became CEO in 2013.
Ibrahim will be succeeded as Chief Executive Officer by Phil Griffin from 1st August. Phil was promoted from Group Commercial Director to Deputy Chief Executive Officer in December 2023, having worked in various senior sales, marketing and commercial roles since joining the business in 2001. He has worked closely with Ibrahim on all aspects of creating and developing Froneri, with a specific focus on strategy, culture, values and integration.
Patrice Bula, Chairman, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, and particularly from a personal perspective, I would like to sincerely thank Ibrahim for his outstanding leadership and contribution to Froneri. It is his unique leadership style, grounded on strong values and principles, combined with a bold growth strategy and clear execution that has led to Froneri becoming the global powerhouse it is today.
Froneri’s strong performance since formation is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of Ibrahim and his teams, that transformed the joint venture into an exceptional organisation delivering innovative products to consumers and significant shareholder value.
We are very pleased to announce that Phil Griffin will be Chief Executive Officer for the next phase of the Froneri journey. For the last 8 years, Phil has been a driving force behind Froneri’s success and with his deep knowledge of the ice cream category, our customers, our brands and our people, we are convinced that under Phil’s leadership Froneri will continue to thrive."
Phil Griffin, CEO designate, commented:
“It is a privilege to be succeeding Ibrahim and becoming CEO of such a unique business in Froneri. I have seen firsthand Ibrahim’s ability to successfully develop and expand the Group and I am hugely excited by the Group’s future growth potential.
I look forward to leading Froneri to its next stage of development as we drive towards becoming the world’s leading ice cream company for all consumers, customers, employees, and shareholders.”
Ibrahim Najafi, CEO, commented:
“It has been a real privilege creating a business like no other; I have loved every second of it.
I’m very excited about the company’s next chapter and I leave this in the capable hands of Phil Griffin who has been at my side for the last 23 years. I look forward to seeing Froneri continue to achieve its ambitions.”
Ibrahim will be succeeded as Chief Executive Officer by Phil Griffin from 1st August. Phil was promoted from Group Commercial Director to Deputy Chief Executive Officer in December 2023, having worked in various senior sales, marketing and commercial roles since joining the business in 2001. He has worked closely with Ibrahim on all aspects of creating and developing Froneri, with a specific focus on strategy, culture, values and integration.
Patrice Bula, Chairman, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, and particularly from a personal perspective, I would like to sincerely thank Ibrahim for his outstanding leadership and contribution to Froneri. It is his unique leadership style, grounded on strong values and principles, combined with a bold growth strategy and clear execution that has led to Froneri becoming the global powerhouse it is today.
Froneri’s strong performance since formation is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of Ibrahim and his teams, that transformed the joint venture into an exceptional organisation delivering innovative products to consumers and significant shareholder value.
We are very pleased to announce that Phil Griffin will be Chief Executive Officer for the next phase of the Froneri journey. For the last 8 years, Phil has been a driving force behind Froneri’s success and with his deep knowledge of the ice cream category, our customers, our brands and our people, we are convinced that under Phil’s leadership Froneri will continue to thrive."
Phil Griffin, CEO designate, commented:
“It is a privilege to be succeeding Ibrahim and becoming CEO of such a unique business in Froneri. I have seen firsthand Ibrahim’s ability to successfully develop and expand the Group and I am hugely excited by the Group’s future growth potential.
I look forward to leading Froneri to its next stage of development as we drive towards becoming the world’s leading ice cream company for all consumers, customers, employees, and shareholders.”
Ibrahim Najafi, CEO, commented:
“It has been a real privilege creating a business like no other; I have loved every second of it.
I’m very excited about the company’s next chapter and I leave this in the capable hands of Phil Griffin who has been at my side for the last 23 years. I look forward to seeing Froneri continue to achieve its ambitions.”
