Arla International’s Executive Vice President, Simon Stevens, retires. Instead Lillie Li Valeur joins executive management

Simon Stevens, Executive Vice President of Arla International, has decided to retire after 22 years with Arla. Following an impressive career dedicated to Arla’s international business, Simon Stevens will step down at the end of March, Arla Foods announced in a press release.

• I’m immensely grateful to Simon Stevens for his years of dedicated service and significant contributions to Arla. Simon’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding our international footprint and strengthening our market positions globally, says Peder Tuborgh, CEO of Arla Food.

His successor will be Lillie Li Valeur, who currently leads Arla’s German business. As she joins Arla’s executive management team, Peder Tuborgh shares his confidence in her abilities:

• I’m equally excited to welcome Lillie Li Valeur to the Executive Management Team. Lillie’s strong track record, expertise, drive and innovative approach will undoubtedly drive Arla to new heights in our international business.

Arla Foods further highlights in its press release that Simon Stevens has left a significant mark on the company since joining as Sales Director for Arla UK in 2002. In 2004, he became Arla UK’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, playing a key role in expanding the UK business from a turnover of €400 million to €3 billion.

In 2020, he took on leadership of Arla’s Middle East and North Africa business, driving substantial growth for Arla’s strategic brands.

• I can honestly say, I have loved every minute of my time in Arla. Great colleagues with drive, energy and passion and a great culture, where I have felt fully empowered. The farmer ownership model has provided me with an enhanced sense of purpose and desire to build a better business long term. Now, I’m looking forward to living with my wife in Portugal, travelling the world and trying to win some tennis and golf tournaments, says Simon Stevns..

Lillie Li Valeur brings extensive leadership experience to her new role. Over her more than 20 years at Arla, she has held several key positions, including 12 years in the international business she will now lead. She played a crucial role in expanding Arla’s business in China and Southeast Asia by securing key strategic partnerships and establishing regional offices. Since 2022, she has led Arla’s German operations.

• I’m incredibly thankful and excited about this opportunity. With a deep passion for Arla’s international business, I look very much forward to further accelerating the growth journey that our international organisation have embarked on. Together with our strategic partners we will focus on creating long term value for our cooperative. While I will miss my commitments in Germany, I’m immensely proud of the team and the significant results we have achieved together.”

The transition will take effect on April 1, 2025.

Read the full press release HERE

Foto: Arla