Leadership Transition at Danish Crown’s Trading Company ESS-FOOD

Anders Boecker Pedersen will take over on 1 August as CEO of ESS-FOOD, Danish Crown’s global trading business specialising in the export of meat and food products. He joins from his current role as General Manager, Northern Europe Beverages at PepsiCo. 

It is precisely this international experience that Group CEO Niels Ulrich Duedahl highlights as a key strength, as ESS-FOOD operates in more than 90 countries and has an annual turnover exceeding DKK 6 billion.

“We are very pleased to welcome Anders as the new CEO of ESS-FOOD. We are confident he will further strengthen ESS-FOOD’s position as a global market leader. With his solid experience and strong strategic vision, we are excited to welcome him on board – not only to lead ESS-FOOD but also to contribute to the Danish Crown Group’s global executive team,” says Niels Ulrich Duedahl. 

A global outlook

Anders Boecker Pedersen looks forward to continuing the development of ESS-FOOD and to playing a key role in the upcoming strategy process that will define the company’s future direction. 

“ESS-FOOD is a truly international business with enormous potential, and it’s somewhat of a dream for me to become part of a global team with the world as our workspace. I’m motivated by the opportunity to strengthen Danish Crown’s presence beyond its core markets while helping deliver food solutions at a time of growing global demand for meat and proteins,” says Anders Boecker Pedersen. 

As Executive Vice President of ESS-FOOD, he will join the Danish Crown Group Executive Team and play an active role in the Group’s ongoing transformation.  

Farewell to a True Pioneer 

Anders Boecker Pedersen takes over from Morten Holm, who is stepping down after 17 years as CEO of ESS-FOOD and nearly 35 years with the Danish Crown Group. 

“Morten has made an outstanding contribution and leaves a lasting legacy. Since its establishment in 1984, ESS-FOOD has become one of the world’s leading food trading companies, handling approximately 376,000 tonnes of food annually. Morten has focused on building long-term, trust-based relationships with both suppliers and customers – something I deeply respect,” says Niels Ulrich Duedahl. 

Morten Holm steps down with a sense of timing, as Danish Crown prepares to begin work on its next corporate strategy later this year. 

“I’ve been at the helm of ESS-FOOD for many years, but I believe it’s time for someone else to shape the future direction of the business. I feel privileged to have spent the majority of my professional life with the Danish Crown Group, particularly at ESS-FOOD. Today, we are among the world’s top ten meat protein trading companies, known for our quality and reliability – achievements that didn’t come by chance. I owe a special thanks to our employees. It is you who have built ESS-FOOD and continue to drive it forward every day. Your loyalty and commitment make me both proud and humbled,” says Morten Holm.