Faerch today announces that Lars Gade Hansen has decided to step down as CEO after leading the company through a transformative period of growth and sustainability. Lars Gade Hansen, who has been at the helm since 2009, has played a pivotal role in establishing Faerch as a global leader in circular food packaging solutions.
During his tenure, Lars Gade Hansen has led Faerch through several significant milestones. Notably, Lars Gade Hansen is only Faerch’s fourth CEO since the company's founding in 1969, reflecting the great continuity with which the company has been led. Under his leadership, Faerch grew from being a regional player to becoming an international leader in sustainable packaging. This expansion was achieved through seven strategic acquisitions, among those, Sirap’s food packaging business and PACCOR Packaging, which have bolstered the company’s market position.
Additionally, during his time as CEO, Lars has navigated Faerch through ownership by four different owners, selling the company three times. He also played a key role in the acquisition of Faerch by A.P. Møller Holding and oversaw the successful opening of the Cirrec plant in Duiven. Another major achievement was the acquisition of MCP, which established a platform for future growth in the US and positioned Faerch for continued expansion. These accomplishments have solidified Faerch’s status as a market leader in sustainable packaging, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and enhancing circularity in the industry.
Exciting future for FaerchReflecting on his decision to step down, Lars Gade Hansen commented, "It has been a profound honor to lead Faerch through such an exciting and transformative period. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable packaging, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. I leave Faerch knowing that the company is in excellent shape, with a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. The future holds exciting possibilities for Faerch, and I am confident that the next chapter will be even more remarkable."
Henrik Poulsen, Senior Advisor to A.P. Møller Holding and Chairman of the Board of Faerch, expressed his gratitude for Lars Gade Hansen's leadership, stating, "Lars has been instrumental in shaping Faerch into the industry leader it is today. His vision and commitment to sustainability have not only driven significant growth but have also positioned Faerch as a pioneer in circular packaging. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and the strong legacy he leaves behind. While we will miss his leadership, we are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Lars Gade Hansen’s succession has been carefully planned since late Summer 2024, reflecting a well-considered transition as part of his decision to step down. After stepping down, Lars Gade Hansen will continue as senior advisor with A.P. Møller Holding, but his work will no longer involve Faerch.
The process for identifying a new CEO is well under way. Lars Gade Hansen will continue as Faerch CEO until his successor joins Faerch and is ready to take over. Faerch remains committed to its vision of leading the global transition to sustainable food packaging and continues to focus on innovation and growth.