Leading European ice cream maker names new CEO

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Auclair joins from historic French sweet manufacturer Carambar. (Glacier)

Glacier, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of private label ice cream, has appointed former Carambar chief executive Marc Auclair as its new CEO.

Due to take up his new role on 16 November, Auclair joins Glacier from French sweet manufacturer Carambar, where he has spent the last four years as CEO.

Glacier said Auclair will lead the company as it continues to expand production capacity and capabilities, accelerate innovation and support international growth.

He replaces Matt Frost, who has led Glacier throughout its formative period. Frost will, however, remain as an executive director on the Glacier board, as well as continuing his role as a partner in the operating team at parent company Afendis.

During a career spanning more than 30 years, Auclair has held international leadership roles across the food industry, including positions at Herta Foods and United Biscuits.

Cem Karakaş, chairman of Glacier said: “Marc brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong track record across the European food industry. As former colleagues, I have seen first-hand Marc’s passion for manufacturing and innovation. 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.*

“I would also like to recognise Matt’s exceptional leadership in building Glacier into the business it is today. We are delighted that he will continue to serve as executive director on the Glacier board, where his deep knowledge of the business, the industry and our long-term strategy will remain invaluable in supporting Marc and his team.”

Founded in 2025 following the merger of Belgian and Italian ice cream giants Ysco and Gelato d’Italia, Glacier produces a wide range of private label and co-manufactured ice cream and frozen dessert products.

Upon completion of the merger, the company secured €400 million in financing earlier this year and recently announced a €45 million investment programme to expand production capacity, accelerate innovation and support international growth across its European operations.

Auclair said: “I’m delighted to be joining Glacier at a time of such strong momentum. I have been struck by the ambition of the business, the quality of its people and its clear commitment to investing in the future.

“Having spent my career across the food industry, I’m excited to bring that experience to the innovative world of ice cream, a category that creates moments of joy for millions of consumers every day. 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.”