Perfetti Van Melle Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Perfetti Van Melle has 4 executives leading key functions including general management, financial strategy, regional business operations, and Asia-Pacific market expansion.

Driven by a commitment to global confectionery excellence, Perfetti Van Melle delivers iconic brands like Mentos and Chupa Chups to consumers worldwide while maintaining a robust manufacturing footprint across international markets.

Leadership Roles at Perfetti Van Melle

  • Chief Financial Officer - Shannon Bobbert
  • President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia) - Luca Parodi
  • President AP BU - Stephen Maher
  • Managing Director - Jan-Willem Paans
  • Shannon Bobbert - Chief Financial Officer

    Shannon Bobbert, the Chief Financial Officer at Perfetti Van Melle, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the global confectionery enterprise. Overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of brands such as Airheads and Smint. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to evaluate market performance and drive cost-efficiency across manufacturing facilities. By implementing robust financial controls, Shannon Bobbert directly impacts the profitability and liquidity of the group. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends in key markets, including the U.S. operations based in Kentucky, to mitigate financial exposure and capitalize on growth opportunities. Through precise budgetary oversight and strategic financial planning, Bobbert secures the capital necessary for research and development, ensuring that the company maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing aggressive market share targets in the competitive global confectionery sector.

    Luca Parodi - President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia)

    Luca Parodi, the President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia) at Perfetti Van Melle, directs market penetration and brand development across diverse international regions. Overseeing the distribution networks and consumer engagement strategies for brands like Alpenliebe and Big Babol, the President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia) ensures that regional operations align with the global mission of the group. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and cultural nuances to drive sales growth in emerging markets. By tailoring marketing initiatives to local preferences, Luca Parodi directly impacts the brand equity and revenue generation within these expansive territories. The President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia) coordinates with local teams to optimize supply chain efficiency and retail presence. Through strategic leadership, Parodi expands the footprint of the company, ensuring consistent performance and market dominance across the assigned geographic portfolio.

    Stephen Maher - President AP BU

    Stephen Maher, the President AP BU at Perfetti Van Melle, directs all commercial activities and strategic growth initiatives throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Overseeing the marketing and distribution of core products like Chupa Chups and Mentos, the President AP BU ensures that regional operations meet the high-volume demands of diverse consumer bases. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key retail partners and optimizing the supply chain to ensure product availability across the vast geography. By driving innovation in local product offerings, Stephen Maher directly impacts the competitive standing of the company in the Asia-Pacific market. The President AP BU monitors regional performance metrics to identify opportunities for expansion and operational improvement. Through consistent focus on market trends and consumer behavior, Maher secures long-term growth, ensuring that the regional business unit contributes significantly to the overall success and global market impact of the confectionery group.

    Jan-Willem Paans - Managing Director

    Jan-Willem Paans, the Managing Director at Perfetti Van Melle, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational efficiency for the global confectionery group. Overseeing the integration of manufacturing processes across Italy and The Netherlands, the Managing Director ensures alignment between production output and international market demand. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional heads to maintain the competitive positioning of brands like Mentos and Fruittella. By optimizing supply chain logistics and fostering innovation in sugar confectionery, Jan-Willem Paans directly impacts the long-term growth trajectory of the organization. The Managing Director maintains rigorous standards for quality control and sustainability, ensuring that global operations remain profitable while meeting evolving consumer preferences. Through consistent oversight of corporate governance, Paans secures the stability of the group, driving excellence across all business units and reinforcing the market presence of the company in diverse territories.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Perfetti Van Melle Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Perfetti Van Melle?
    Perfetti Van Melle is led by Shannon Bobbert (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Luca Parodi (President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia)) and Stephen Maher (President AP BU).
    Who is part of Perfetti Van Melle’s executive team?
    The executive team of Perfetti Van Melle includes leaders such as Shannon Bobbert (Chief Financial Officer), Luca Parodi (President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia)), Stephen Maher (President AP BU) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Perfetti Van Melle have?
    Perfetti Van Melle has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Perfetti Van Melle’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Perfetti Van Melle includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Business Unit , Africa, Middle , , Central (Bamsca, Brazil, East, South, West, Asia), President AP BU, Managing Director.