Bauducco® Appoints Jean-Pierre Comte as CEO, North America

Veteran FMCG Executive to Lead U.S. and Canadian Operations and Drive Bauducco®'s North American Expansion

MIAMI, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bauducco®, the iconic Brazilian baked goods company, today announced the appointment of Jean-Pierre Comte as Chief Executive Officer, North America, effective immediately. Comte brings more than 30 years of proven leadership in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry, with extensive experience leading U.S. and Canadian operations at scale.

Most recently, Comte served as President of Rana Meal Solutions, where he oversaw U.S. and Canadian operations. He brings nearly a decade of leadership experience from Barilla, where he led the company's entire Americas region across multiple countries and brands. Throughout his career – including significant tenure at Procter & Gamble – Comte has built a reputation for driving sustainable growth, building high-performing teams, and executing transformational business strategies.

"I am honored to lead Bauducco® at such an exciting moment in the company's history," said Jean-Pierre Comte, CEO, North America, Bauducco®. "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."

Concurrent with Comte's appointment, Stefano Mozzi will assume the role of CEO of Pandatura Group, the group that encompasses the Bauducco®, Casa Bauducco®, Ellece Logística, Visconti, and Tommy brands. Mozzi, who previously led Bauducco®'s International Business Unit, brings more than 30 years of experience in consumer goods. With 16 years at Bauducco®, Mozzi has extensive experience in the company's global operations, including driving consistent results in the United States and playing a decisive role in advancing the brand's international expansion. In his new role, he will lead the next phase of Bauducco®'s growth while accelerating the brand's internationalization process.

"Jean-Pierre is exactly the leader Bauducco® needs at this critical juncture in our North American journey," said Stefano Mozzi, Global CEO, Bauducco®. "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 U.S. market."

This leadership transition comes on the heels of Bauducco®'s opening of its largest U.S. manufacturing facility in Zephyrhills, Florida – a 160,000-square-foot production center expected to employ over 600 people at full production. The facility significantly expands Bauducco®'s domestic production capacity and positions the company to bring new categories to U.S. production for the first time, including panettone, strengthening supply chain efficiency and enabling faster response to market demand.

Comte is a graduate of NEOMA Business School in France and holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from Institut d'Études Politiques in Grenoble.

ABOUT BAUDUCCO® Founded in Brazil in 1952 by an Italian immigrant, Bauducco® is one of the world's largest producers of baked goods, globally. Inspiring unforgettable moments with recipes crafted with innovation and passion, Bauducco®'s products are synonymous with The Feeling of Family. As a global company exporting to more than 50 countries, Bauducco® has been doing business in the U.S. for more than 20 years and has a national presence. Panettone, one of Bauducco®'s most iconic products, is a strategic player in the U.S. market, where the brand holds an 86% value share in this category. Bauducco® is the leading wafer producer nationwide. Bauducco®'s signature Panettones, Wafers, Cookies and Toasts are sold in most major retailers across the U.S. To learn more about Bauducco®, please visit www.Bauducco.com and follow @Bauducco.us on Instagram.

SOURCE Bauducco