German dairy producer Zott Group has announced a CEO transition, with current chief Frank Uszko set to step down on 31 December.
The privately-owned company’s current chief commercial officer René Roth will take over the top role.
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In a statement, Zott’s founder and board chair Christine Weber said: “We respect Frank Uszko’s decision and deeply regret it”.
She said Uszko, “as the first managing director outside the family, successfully managed the transition from an owner-managed family business to management by external managing directors”.
On Roth’s appointment, Weber said “we are pleased to have already found a worthy successor from within our own ranks in René Roth”, who “possesses extensive expertise, a deep understanding of the Zott Group, and enjoys our full trust”.
The management change was announced alongside a broader succession plan, which also includes the commercial post Roth will vacate.
Dr. Marcel Hahne, described by the company as an “experienced” dairy sales executive, will become chief commercial officer from 1 July 2026.
With around 2,979 employees and 2025 consolidated sales of €1.28bn ($1.48bn), Zott is one of Europe’s larger dairy companies.
The fourth-generation family business processed 881 million kg of milk in 2025.
The Bavarian group produces yogurts, cheese, ice cream and vegan alternatives.
It also operates a private-label and B2B business producing milk, whey powder and cheese in block form.
Just Food has asked Zott to clarify the revenues generated by its brands and own label business operations and what its sales expectations are for this year.
Its brands include Monte, Jogobella, Sahne Joghurt and Zottarella, as well as Pure Joy, its first vegan product range.
The company’s main plant is in Mertingen, Bavaria, with additional production sites in Günzburg, Germany, and Opole, Poland.
Its sales operations span Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, Hungary and Croatia, as well as Vietnam.
