Bühler Group announces Mike Häfeli as new CEO of Grains & Food business

SWITZERLAND – Bühler Group has announced the appointment of Mike Häfeli as CEO of its Grains & Food business and Member of the Executive Board, effective January 1, 2026.

He will succeed Johannes Wick, who will step down at the end of 2025 after a decade of leadership to take up a new strategic role within the company.

Häfeli, who began his career at Bühler with an apprenticeship more than 30 years ago, returns to the company with a wealth of experience from across the food and processing industries.

He graduated as a mechatronic engineer and built an international career in automation, sales, and business leadership, including several years as Vice President Automation in North America. From 2015 to 2023, he successfully led Bühler’s Grain Quality & Supply business area before serving as CEO of the Eisberg Group and Member of the Executive Board of the Bell Food Group.

“We are excited to welcome Mike Häfeli back to Bühler,” said Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group.

 “His broad experience and leadership across both Bühler and the wider food industry make him the ideal successor to lead Grains & Food into its next chapter of innovation and growth.”

Under Häfeli’s leadership, Bühler aims to further strengthen its position as a global leader in grain and food processing technologies. His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to advancing innovation across areas such as grain processing, alternative proteins, chocolate, and confectionery solutions.

The announcement also marks a transition for Johannes Wick, who has steered Bühler’s Grains & Food business since 2015.

Wick is credited with significantly expanding the division’s global market share, driving financial growth, and building a strong leadership team. He championed innovation through ventures in nut de-bacterization, grain puffing, and strategic collaborations with international partners, including Imdher in Mexico, Endeco in Germany, and Premier Tech in Canada and China.

“Johannes Wick has been a driving force behind Bühler’s transformation in the Grains & Food business. His strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy,” Scheiber added.

The leadership transition follows the recent passing of visionary leader Urs Bühler, the company’s former owner and long-time chairman, who passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 82.

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