Orior's New Chair: A Pivotal Shift in Swiss Food and Drinks

The Swiss food and drinks group Orior is on the cusp of a significant transformation. On April 2, 2025, the company announced plans to reorganize its board, nominating Monika Friedli-Walser as the new chair. This move comes at a critical juncture for Orior, which has faced a series of challenges, including a valuation discrepancy in its Albert Spiess meats unit and a decline in its convenience-food business. The appointment of Friedli-Walser, who will take on "operational responsibility" of the company, signals a strategic shift towards decentralized management, a move that could either revitalize the company or expose it to new risks.



The decision to appoint Friedli-Walser as the new chair is part of a broader reorganization effort. Remo Brunschwiler, the current chairman, is not standing for re-election due to "personal reasons." Meanwhile, acting CEO Filip De Spiegeleire is stepping down from operational management duties as planned. De Spiegeleire, who has been a member of Orior’s group executive board since 2016, will be recommended to become a director, ensuring that his international experience and know-how continue to enrich the group.

The planned changes at the top of Orior were announced alongside the publication of the company’s 2024 results. The company reported net sales of SFr642.1m in 2024, a slight decrease from SFr643.1m a year earlier. After adjusting for exchange rates, net sales rose 0.5% on an organic basis. However, the convenience-food business, which accounts for roughly a third of sales, declined year on year. EBITDA reached SFr22.5m, compared to SFr53.3m in 2023. Orior booked a loss at an EBIT level of SFr31.9m due to factors including the lower EBITDA, an impairment of the Albert Spiess business, and high pork prices.

Looking ahead, Orior has described 2025 as "a year of transition." The company expects contract losses and the sale of the Albert Spiess assets to weigh on revenue. Profitability will remain under pressure in the first half of the year due to the tenders lost in 2024 and high input costs. However, the newly acquired orders in Switzerland and internationally will gradually contribute to sales and compensate for the lost tenders. The focus in 2025 will be on improving results and free cash flow as well as strengthening the decentralized structure and boosting innovative strength in the core business.

The appointment of Friedli-Walser as the new chair is a bold move that could have far-reaching implications for Orior. Her focus on decentralized management could enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. However, it also introduces new risks, particularly in a year of transition. The sale of Albert Spiess assets and the loss of contracts could weigh heavily on the company's financial performance, potentially eroding investor confidence.

In conclusion, Orior's decision to appoint Monika Friedli-Walser as the new chair is a pivotal moment for the company. While the move towards decentralized management holds promise, it also comes with significant risks. The coming year will be a test of Orior's resilience and adaptability, as it navigates the challenges of transition and seeks to strengthen its core business. The success of this strategic shift will depend on Friedli-Walser's ability to lead the company through this tumultuous period and emerge stronger on the other side.