Peters – who joined PepsiCo in 2017 and is responsible for EU Corporate Affairs – has 20+-year career working with several major European and American consumer goods companies in retail, wholesale and on the manufacturer side.
ESA’s director general Sebastian Emig - and a member of BakeryandSnacks' editorial advisory board - believes Peters is the right candidate for the job.
“We are excited to be working with Mathijs as our new president,” he said.
“He is a seasoned public affairs professional with deep knowledge of the legislative and policy environment impacting food manufacturers and also knows perfectly how trade associations operate in Brussels.
“He will be the leader the association needs in these times to make the voice of the sector heard in Brussels.”
Emig also noted the milestones achieved under Dr Nilges’ leadership.
“I would also like to warmly thank Rolf for his invaluable contribution to ESA in the past years. He has been a real driving force in the organisation, relentlessly promoting the interest of savour snacks manufacturers and helping the sector to achieve significant successes, especially in times of a global pandemic.
“We wish him a happy retirement and all the best for its future endeavours”.
The road ahead
Peters added his praise of Dr Nilges’ achievements as ESA’s president and shared insight into the challenges that lie ahead.
“Rolf Nilges, with his dedication and deep industry knowledge, left his mark on ESA, and replacing him will not be the easiest of tasks. Moreover, I am succeeding him at an exciting time, with a host of policy initiatives that cover our entire value chain from farm to fork, and even beyond, coming our way.
“Building on the industry’ efforts and achievements to date and its strong connection to all parts of the food chain, I am confident that we will be able to contribute to a more sustainable food system in a tangible and meaningful way. I am honoured and excited to be ESA’s new President, and look forward to further strengthening ESA and its reputation.”
The European Snacks Association asbl is Europe’s only trade organisation dedicated to advancing the savoury snacks industry on behalf of its membership, which spans 200 companies of all sizes in 40 countries and represents approximately 80% of the entire European snacks market. Its members include producers of all manner of savoury snacks from potato crisps to fruit snacks and savoury biscuits, and companies supplying equipment, ingredients and services.