Ritter Sports USA appoints confectionery industry veteran Ralph Hilpuesch as CEO
Waldenbush / Chicago – March 25, 2024 – Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, well-known around the world for its popular chocolate brand; ritter sportannounced the next steps in its plan to accelerate the company’s growth in the United States. The family-owned company recently opened a new subsidiary in Chicago and named industry veteran Ralph Hilpuesch as CEO of Ritter Sports USA.
Mr. Hilpuesch is a respected industry leader with 30 years of experience in the confectionery industry and previously served as President and CEO of Storck North America for 13 years. During that time, Storck has grown into one of the most successful and respected candy companies in the United States and Canada, and Werther’s Original has become the iconic brand and leader in caramel.
“We are pleased to welcome an executive of Ralph Hilpuesch’s caliber to lead the expansion of our presence in the U.S. market,” said Marte Damman, Ritter’s global chief demand officer. Stated. “During his impressive career to date, Ralph has demonstrated deep market knowledge, the ability to build great teams, and a talent for successfully establishing brands.”
In his new role, Mr. Hilpsch will continue to expand the company’s portfolio, reflecting Ritter Sports’ commitment to expand in the world’s largest confectionery market and engage with all business partners and, ultimately, U.S. consumers in entirely new ways. He will lead the operations of the company’s new U.S. base.
The company’s dedication to its employees, quality brands and sustainability are principles shared by Mr. Hilpusch.
“I am extremely proud to be part of the Ritter Sports family, a brand that I have loved since my childhood in Germany,” said Hilbsch. “I have deep respect for this historic family business that continues to live up to its purpose of growing in a strategic and sustainable way. It’s truly a beloved chocolate brand that is loved by fans of America. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make it America’s favorite chocolate brand.”
In his role as CEO of Ritter Sport USA, Mr. Hilpuesch will lead the company’s growth initiatives and bring strategic vision to further grow the company’s presence across the United States.
About Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG
Founded in 1912, the family-run company is based in Waldenbuch, Germany, with a second production facility in Breitenbrunn, Austria, and subsidiaries in other international markets. The company currently has approximately 1,900 employees and in 2023 he achieved sales of 565 million euros. Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG is the first major chocolate manufacturer to source only certified sustainable cocoa across its product portfolio, including Ritter Sport and Amicelli. brand. Ritter is proud to be a climate neutral company on its balance sheet since 2020. This is another example of our company’s purpose of doing the right thing to make really good chocolate. The colorful Ritter Sports Square is sold in over 100 countries around the world.
