Duedahl will join the meat processor on 2 September.
Danish Crown has appointed an external candidate, Niels Duedahl, as the new CEO of the meat cooperative.
Duedahl will assume the role from 2 September, succeeding Jais Valeur, who announced in June that he would be stepping down as chief executive earlier than initially planned.
According to a statement, Valeur’s last day at the Randers-headquartered Danish Crown will be 30 August. He has served as CEO since 2015.
Chairman Asger Krogsgaard said: “We are facing a new strategy period and are in the initial phase of a significant transformation of Danish Crown’s business, which must be carried out with precision and high cadence.
“As a top executive, Niels has made big and bold decisions, and he is visionary, even in adversity. He is also a value-driven leader who is very aware of the importance of culture in a company undergoing change.”
Duedahl is currently CEO of the Danish electricity and telecommunications company Norlys, a position he has held since 2009. His executive career history also includes roles at The Lego Group, the TDC Group telecoms business, Nordea, and Jyske Bank.
He said in the statement: “A few times in life, you get an opportunity that is so exciting that you simply cannot say no. Danish Crown is undergoing a thorough transformation, which I feel well-equipped to lead.
“Danish Crown is a fantastic company, which I believe has unrealised potential. I am highly motivated to ensure competitive returns for the farmer owners, as well as passionate about creating a workplace and culture where the best talents want to work.”
Danish Crown also lost its former chairman, Erik Bredholt, last November following an interview with Denmark’s Finans business news publication, in which he suggested the co-op would be open to investor interest in some parts of the business.
Months earlier, the Danish meat processor had announced its aim to boost its “earnings” by “at least” DKr1.5bn ($217.9m) over a two-year period through a multi-faceted initiative, including improving efficiencies at its facilities through technology to reduce production costs.
In its most recent financial results, for the half year ending 31 March, Danish Crown reported revenue of DKr33.5bn, a decrease of 2.9%.
Gross profit fell by 2.7% to DKr4.7bn, while net profit was down 15% at DKr764m.
Danish Crown stated in June, when announcing Valeur’s departure, that the co-op has been developing a new strategy since May, “which is expected to be ready for presentation in the autumn.”
Krogsgaard added today that Duedahl can now “help drive the strategic process we initiated before the summer holidays and immediately make his mark on Danish Crown’s direction moving forward.”
