Chris Schutte intends to retire as the CEO of Astral Foods.
His planned retirement date will be January 30, 2025, which will coincide with the company’s next annual general meeting, according to a statement from Astral Foods. The process of searching for a replacement has begun.
Schutte joined the South African poultry and feed company in 2002 as retail sales manager for subsidiary Meadow Foods. In 2004, he was promoted to managing director of Astral’s Feed Division. He joined Astral’s Board of Directors in 2006, and in 2009, was promoted to his current role as CEO.
“Although we are saddened by Chris’ decision, we respect his request for retirement with the utmost understanding and sympathy for his personal and family circumstances. Chris has been a poultry man for 41 years, steadfastly serving the South African poultry industry. Chris has been at the helm, leading Astral for the past 16 years, at the same time achieving the recognition as one of the longest serving CEOs of a listed JSE company. Chris has a very special set of management and board skills, with a wealth of knowledge in the poultry industry,” said Theuns Eloff, non-executive director of Astral Foods.
Schutte, who will be Astral Foods’ mandatory retirement age of 65 in 2025, has agreed to consult to Astral Foods for one year, following his retirement as CEO. During this time, Schutte will work with the new CEO as that person transitions into the role. He will also continue to facilitate stakeholder engagement and provide strategic insight to the Astral Foods board and executive team.
“I have always involved my (executive team) in our dealings with a myriad of stakeholders, and this well-established team is highly experienced and regarded as best-in-industry. I am confident that I am handing over to a competent team who are willing and able to take the group forward in the next phase of Astral’s growth journey.
In 2023, Astral Foods slaughtered 290 million broilers, making it Africa’s largest poultry producer. Globally, Astral Foods ranks as the 33rd largest poultry producer and the 100th largest feed producer.
