Jean-Christophe Flatin

Oatly has named current global president Jean-Christophe Flatin as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 June.

Toni Petersson, who has served as CEO since 2012, will transition to the role of co-chairman of the board of directors.

Having joined Oatly a year ago, Flatin has led several initiatives with COO Daniel Ordoñez that have resulted in positive impacts for the company, including driving cost and resource efficiencies across all regions and instituting a new operating model that “sets the stage for future profitable growth”.

Flatin said: “I am humbled and honoured by the opportunity to lead this great organisation. Oatly is a once-in-a-generation company with teams, purpose and products that are second to none. We have all the elements in place to strengthen our leadership position in multiple markets and fuel the societal shift to a more sustainable plant-based food system.”

He continued: “I would like to thank Toni and the board of directors for their confidence and trust, and our employees for welcoming me so warmly. I am excited to continue to partner with our entire leadership team to unlock Oatly’s full potential and drive long-term shareholder value.”

Petersson commented that Flatin is the “ideal person” to support Oatly in its next phase.

He added: “He has already strengthened our company for the better by putting our supply chain back on firmer footing, renewing our focus on innovation and enabling our organisation to go on offence to drive profitable growth”.

In his new role, Petersson will provide support to Flatin during the transition period and focus on strategic initiatives. This includes advising on Oatly’s China business.

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