Dutch-Italian confectioner Perfetti Van Melle has appointed its head of global innovations and business development to the role of group CEO.

Sameer Suneja, currently executive VP of global innovations and business development based in the Netherlands, will take up the role from 1 October, a spokesperson for Perfetti van Melle in India told just-food today (17 August). 

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The appointment will make Suneja the first non-Italian to head the privately-held firm.

He replaces current CEO Ubaldo Traldi. The reason for Traldi’s departure has not been disclosed. 

Prior to his current role, which he took up in August last year, Suneja held the role of MD of Perfetti’s India operations for four years.

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