Quorn Foods appoints former Heineken MD as new CEO

Quorn Foods chief executive Marco Bertacca is stepping down after five years at the plant-based food brand, handing over the reins to former Heineken UK managing director David Flochel.

In addition to his role at Heineken UK, Flochel’s experience includes a number of international leadership roles for food and drink giants such as Mars Drinks at Mars Inc., and Selecta Group. Flochel will join the business from November 2024, and has promised a reset of the company next year.

Bertacca, who joined the business in January 2020 has navigated it through challenging times including the global Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis that followed. His tenure saw the launch of the Marlow Ingredients division in 2023, through which Quorn has made its mycoprotein available to other food companies, alongside a partnership with the NHS to help drive awareness of meat alternatives for the UK’s budding flexitarian population.

Bertacca commented, “I would like to extend a huge thanks to the entire team for all the incredible things we’ve achieved in the five years I have been with the business. Despite the challenges with overall growth in the last few years, we have improved Quorn retail market share, achieved yearly growth in our foodservice & QSR business, and launched the new Marlow Ingredients business unit.”

He added: “I know Quorn is in good hands. David is bringing an incredible depth of knowledge and experience into the company, and we are already working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.”

Flochel said, “Quorn Foods has a strong history of success, but 2025 will be a reset year for the company. This is a brilliant opportunity to transform the business into the next stage of its journey and I am delighted to be taking on this new role. I believe that with the right focus and execution we can turn around the company and current category performance.”