ORK: Johan Clarin to step down as CEO of Orkla Food Ingredients
2026-08-27 13:00:03
Johan Clarin will step down as CEO of Orkla Food Ingredients (OFI). His last
working day will be 31 August 2026. OFI board member Marianne Kirkegaard
(Managing Director, Rhône) is appointed interim CEO pending the appointment of
a permanent replacement.
OFI is now entering a new strategy period, and Mr. Clarin and the Board have
agreed that this is a natural point in time to hand over the leadership of the
company.
Mr. Clarin joined Orkla in 2013 as EVP Operations and took over as CEO of OFI
in 2018. During his time as CEO, OFI strengthened its position in Europe,
established a platform for growth in the United States and expanded the
business through a series of acquisitions.
Øyvind Torpp, Chair of the Board of Directors in OFI, commented, "Johan Clarin
has been instrumental in shaping the OFI we know today. Under his leadership,
OFI has expanded significantly, strengthened its portfolio of businesses, and
further developed its unique entrepreneurial culture. On behalf of the Board,
I would like to thank Johan for his significant contribution to OFI over many
years. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."
Johan Clarin commented, "I leave OFI with enormous pride in what we have built
together, and gratitude for the people I have had the opportunity to work with
and learn from. I am confident in the future of OFI and in the incredible
people who will continue to build on the solid foundation we have created."
The Board has initiated the process of appointing a permanent CEO. In the
meantime, Marianne Kirkegaard will step down from her OFI board
responsibilities to assume the role of Interim CEO.
About Orkla Food Ingredients
Orkla Food Ingredients ("OFI") supplies ingredients to a broad range of
customers in the bakery, ice cream and plant-based markets. The company has a
leading position in Europe and a platform for growth in the United States.
Important sales channels include industrial manufacturers, which primarily
manufacture and supply products to the grocery channel; the Out of Home
channel, for example through artisanal bakeries and ice cream kiosks; and
direct sales to consumers. The biggest product categories are bread and cake
improvers and mixes, yeast, marzipan, ice cream ingredients and margarine and
butter blends.
About Orkla
Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company within brands and
consumer-oriented businesses, with 10 portfolio companies. The company takes a
long-term and strategic approach to its investments, creating value by
combining brand expertise with an investment company mindset.
Orkla is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and is headquartered in Oslo,
Norway. Orkla had a turnover of 71.5 billion in 2025.
Contacts
SVP Investor Relations & Communication
Annie Bersagel
Mobile: +47 986 03 664
Email: annie.bersagel@orkla.no
nication\
Annie Bersagel\
Mobile: +47 986 03 664\
Email: annie.bersagel@orkla.no\