Ferrero Group, the world’s third largest chocolate confectionery company, today announced the appointment of Mr. Zhang Suyi (David Zhang) as the new General Manager of Ferrero China, effective September 1, 2023. Mr. Mauro De Felip, former General Manager of Ferrero China, had made outstanding achievements in the past seven years and will continue to hold senior positions in other strategic market within the Group.
As the new head of Ferrero China, Mr. David Zhang will be responsible for formulating and implementing Ferrero Group’s development strategy in China, leading the Ferrero China team to promote transformation and drive the growth agenda amid rapidly evolving digital consumption trends, and further expand into the Sweet Packaged Food (SPF) Arena. Mr. David Zhang will be based in Shanghai.
David has more than 25 years’ experience in the food and FMCG industry, serving in both management and operations roles, and has held executive roles in several international brands. Before joining Ferrero, he held key positions at Wyeth Nutrition and Nestle Nutrition, where he enabled the vital impetus for brand innovation, set up a cross-border e-commerce business model and accelerated sales route-to-market transformation, as well as drove the sustainable growth agenda of regional business. Prior to that, David gained extensive management experience at Estee Lauder, GNC, Henkel, Quaker Oat Beverage, and General Mills.
David Zhang said: “It’s an honor to join Ferrero. I look forward to collaborating with my team and all the parties to achieve organic growth and long-term development in the Chinese market. As an international family-owned company with over 70 years of history, Ferrero has adhered its core values of remaining people oriented which I deeply identify with. Adhering to Ferrero’s persistent pursuit of high-quality products and firm commitment to Chinese consumers I aspire to further integrate a global vision with local practices, and bring high-quality products and excellent experiences to Chinese consumers.”
China, as the second largest SPF market worldwide, is one of the most important strategic markets for Ferrero Group. In recent years, Ferrero has been deepening its commitment to China and increasing its investment in the Chinese market. The Group has continuously expanded its layout in the Chinese market through digital transformation, consumption experience innovation, and localized new products. In August 2022, Ferrero Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. was recognized as the Managerial Regional Headquarters by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. The appointment of the first local head since the Group entered the Chinese market not only highlights further attention and confidence in the Chinese market, but also marks a new phase of Ferrero’s development in the Chinese market. David’s accession will provide a more localized vision and practical experience, which will help Ferrero further tap into the huge potential of the Chinese market and seize emerging opportunities in the consumer market.