European private-label ice-cream manufacturer Glacier has appointed Marc Auclair as its new CEO.

Auclair joins Glacier from France-based confectioner Carambar & Co., which US-based Ferrara Candy acquired last year.

He succeeds Matt Frost at the top of Glacier, who has led the business as executive director since its formation.

Glacier, backed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Afendis Capital Management, has been built through a series of acquisitions in Europe, including the combination of ice-cream manufacturers Ysco and Gelato d’Italia.

Before his four years at the helm of Carambar, Auclair was chief executive at Herta Foods Group for 11 months up to November 2022. He joined the cooked meats supplier after four years at Soufflet Group.

“Marc brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong track record across the European food industry,” Glacier chairman Cem Karakaş said.

“His operational expertise and experience of leading businesses through periods of growth and transformation will be invaluable as Glacier continues to invest in its capabilities and pursue further growth.”

Glacier secured €400m ($447.5m) in financing earlier this year and announced a €45m investment programme in July to expand its production sites in Italy and Belgium.

Auclair said he was joining Glacier at a time of “strong momentum” and would build on the company’s existing operations.

“Having spent my career across the food industry, I’m excited to bring that experience to the innovative world of ice cream,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know our customers and partners and building on the strong foundations already in place as we continue Glacier’s next phase of growth.”