Bühler Group has announced a significant leadership change in its Grains & Food Division, appointing Mike Häfeli as the new CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Häfeli will succeed Johannes Wick, who has led the division for the past decade (2015–2025) and will transition into a new strategic role within Bühler. Häfeli’s appointment brings a blend of deep Bühler experience and leadership expertise from his recent roles at Bell Food Group and Eisberg Group. As a member of the Bühler Executive Board, Häfeli is poised to drive the division forward.
Mike Häfeli’s Career Background and Credentials
With over 30 years of experience at Bühler, starting as an apprentice and later becoming a mechatronic engineer, Häfeli has developed a strong foundation in the company’s operations. His previous roles include Vice President Automation (North America) and Head of Grain Quality & Supply (2015–2023), showcasing his versatility and leadership capabilities. Häfeli’s recent tenure as CEO of Eisberg Group and Executive Board member at Bell Food Group has further enhanced his expertise in the food industry. This blend of Bühler’s internal knowledge and external leadership experience makes him an ideal candidate to lead the Grains & Food Division.
Johannes Wick’s Legacy: Achievements at the Helm
During his 10-year tenure, Wick expanded Bühler’s global market share and drove innovation in various areas, including grain processing, alternative proteins, chocolate processing, and confectionery. He fostered strategic partnerships with companies like Imdher (Mexico), Endeco (Germany), and Premier Tech (Canada and China), enhancing Bühler’s global presence. Wick also advanced technologies such as nut de-bacterization and grain puffing, while promoting sustainability by reducing energy, waste, and water use. As Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group, noted, “Johannes Wick has been a driving force behind Bühler’s transformation. His strategic vision, deep expertise, and commitment have left a lasting legacy.”
Some of the key achievements during Wick’s leadership include the development of new technologies and the expansion of Bühler’s global footprint. These advancements have positioned the company for continued growth and innovation in the food processing sector, particularly in areas like alternative proteins and sustainable food production.
Grains & Food Division: Scope and Strategic Focus
The Grains & Food Division is Bühler’s largest and core business area, encompassing grain and flour processing, nutrition solutions, alternative protein technologies, and chocolate and confectionery processing equipment. As a central component of Bühler’s long-term global strategy, the division is crucial to the company’s expansion efforts. Emerging priorities for Häfeli include meeting the global demand for sustainable food production, strengthening efficiency in grain processing, and responding to the rise of alternative proteins. With the global food landscape shifting due to supply chain challenges and changing consumer preferences, Häfeli’s leadership will be instrumental in driving the division forward.
To achieve these goals, Häfeli will need to balance the demands of a rapidly evolving industry while maintaining Bühler’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This will involve fostering partnerships and collaborations that can help drive growth and efficiency. For instance, companies are exploring new ways to incorporate sustainable ingredients into their products, such as using apple cinnamon in innovative dessert recipes like apple cinnamon churro dough.
Looking Ahead: Häfeli’s Leadership and Industry Challenges
Häfeli’s appointment supports continuity while bringing a fresh strategic perspective to the Grains & Food Division. As Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group, stated, “His broad experience and leadership make him the ideal successor to lead Grains & Food into its next chapter of innovation and growth.” Häfeli will focus on navigating global trends in sustainability and alternative proteins, advancing Bühler’s role in shaping global food systems. The division will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as the growing demand for vegan desserts, which is a trend being closely monitored in the industry, as seen in the rise of vegan desserts.
As Häfeli takes the reins, he will be tasked with addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving food processing landscape. By leveraging his experience and expertise, he is well-positioned to drive the Grains & Food Division forward, capitalizing on emerging trends and technologies to drive growth and innovation. This includes exploring new product development opportunities, such as refreshing summer drinks like blueberry lemonade, that incorporate sustainable and efficient production methods.