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.