Carlsberg Group has announced that Nikos Kalaitzidakis will join as the new Executive Vice President (EVP) for the Central & Eastern Europe and India (CEEI) region by March 2025. This appointment follows the decision of Lars Lehmann, the current EVP for the region, to step down at the end of 2024.
Nikos Kalaitzidakis: An Experienced FMCG Leader
Bringing over 30 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Kalaitzidakis is currently the Vice President for the Food & Beverages division at The Olayan Group, a global conglomerate. His illustrious career also includes 18 years at Coca-Cola HBC, where he held several senior roles such as Regional Director for South-East Europe and General Manager in multiple countries, including Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Before that, he held commercial roles at Philip Morris International across Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan, and Greece.
“Nikos Kalaitzidakis comes with extensive FMCG expertise, and his vast work experience from more than 40 countries puts him in a perfect position to take over the leadership of the Carlsberg Group’s CEEI region and contribute to our ambitious growth journey,” said Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group.
Lars Lehmann's Departure After 22 Years of Service
In August 2024, Carlsberg announced that Lars Lehmann would leave the company after a remarkable 22-year career. Since 2019, Lehmann has been a member of the Group's Executive Committee, overseeing critical operations in the CEEI region. He will remain in his position until the end of 2024 to ensure a seamless transition.
“Lars has been a valued member of the Carlsberg family, and we thank him for his strong contributions. We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this new endeavor,” commented Aarup-Andersen.
A History of Strategic Leadership in CEEI
The CEEI region has long been a strategic focus for Carlsberg. Under Lehmann’s leadership, the region has seen significant growth and integration into Carlsberg’s long-term strategy. This trajectory builds on earlier leadership changes, including Lehmann’s appointment in 2019 as EVP for Eastern Europe, where he successfully steered operations in Russia and other key markets.
Looking Ahead
'The transition marks a pivotal moment for Carlsberg as it continues to expand in Central & Eastern Europe and India. With Nikos Kalaitzidakis’s wealth of experience, the company looks forward to driving innovation and growth in one of its most dynamic regions.
