Bauducco hires North America CEO amid US expansion

MIAMI — Consumer packaged goods veteran Jean-Pierre Comte has joined Brazilian baked foods manufacturer Bauducco as chief executive officer of North America.

Most recently president of Rana Meal Solutions, Comte starts in the new role effective immediately, Sao Paulo-based Bauducco said in announcing his hiring on Sept. 1. With the addition of Comte, Bauducco said International Business Unit CEO Stefano Mozzi becomes CEO of Pandatura Group, which includes the Bauducco, Casa Bauducco, Ellece Logística, Visconti and Tommy brands.

Comte brings more than 30 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, as well as a track record for driving sustainable growth, building high-performing teams and executing transformational business strategies, Bauducco noted. He was president of Rana Meal Solutions for more than three years, overseeing US and Canadian operations. Before that, he spent more than 13 years at Barilla Group, most recently as president of the Americas region, in which he led the business across multiple countries and brands. That followed more than 17 years at Procter & Gamble, including sales and marketing leadership roles in Western Europe.

Bauducco, whose US headquarters is in Miami, said Comte joins the company at a key time. In June, Bauducco opened its largest US manufacturing plant in Zephyrhills, Fla. The 160,000-square-foot facility is expected to double production capacity for the US market, sharpen supply chain efficiency, speed the response to changes in market demand, and bring new categories to US manufacturing, including panettone, biscuits and wafers.

“I am honored to lead Bauducco at such an exciting moment in the company’s history,” Comte said. “Joining the Bauducco family is a unique and exciting opportunity to build on a brand with 75 years of global heritage and authentic quality, and I look forward to expanding Bauducco’s presence across North America.”

A 16-year veteran of Bauducco, Mozzi has extensive experience in its global operations, including fueling steady performance in the United States and playing an integral role in advancing the brand’s international expansion, the company said. In his new role, he is charged with leading Bauducco’s next growth phase and accelerating its globalization.

“Jean-Pierre is exactly the leader Bauducco needs at this critical juncture in our North American journey,” said Mozzi, who is global CEO and has 30 years of experience in consumer goods. “His track record demonstrates consistent excellence in brand building, portfolio innovation, customer relationships and team development — skills that are fundamental to accelerating Bauducco’s expansion in an increasingly competitive US market.”

The Zephyrhills plant is being developed in three phases, with the second phase slated to go into operation by 2028 and the third phase by 2030, according to Bauducco. At full production, the facility is expected to employ over 600 people.