Chairman's Award 2026
Chairman's Award 2026
Our Chairman’s Award winners: watch the video of their journey!
Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
On June 25, 2026, this year’s winners were honored in Zurich, Switzerland, with a special celebration led by Chairman Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO Hein Schumacher, and Chief People & Culture Officer Victoria Gazzo.
- Mrs. Anne Marie Kouadio - Abidjan / Ivory Coast
- Alain Blanchard - Chatham / Canada
- Mrs. Marise Uchida - Sao Paulo / Brazil
- Mr. Mathieu Palstermans - Wieze / Belgium
- Mrs. Gunda Noetzold - Zurich, Hamburg / Switzerland, Germany
- Mr. Dejvis Murseli - Novi sad / Serbia
- Mrs. Shayona Gilliam - Chicago / USA
- Mr. Gauthier Jacquet - Louviers / France
- Mrs. Edna Charles - Thema / Ghana
- Mr. Joeri Houtman - Lokeren / Belgium
Patrick De Maeseneire and Anne Marie Kouadio
Mrs. Anne Marie Kouadio
Sustainability Regional Coordinator
Abidjan / Ivory Coast
Anne Marie Kouadio is driven by a powerful belief: that hope is the greatest gift one can offer. In 2023, she founded the Tovi “Ma Bonté” Foundation to support orphanages and vulnerable families in remote areas often left without assistance.
Through her initiative, she provides financial aid, essential supplies, and long-term support programs, and personally visits communities to understand their needs. Her work goes beyond material support, she restores dignity, visibility, and connection.
Anne Marie’s commitment to reaching the most underserved communities reflects her deep compassion and determination to create lasting change.
Patrick De Maeseneire and Alain Blanchard
Mr. Alain Blanchard
Manager, Production Liquid
Chatham / Canada
Alain Blanchard is deeply involved in his local hockey community, where he serves as a coach for several minor teams. Through his role, he mentors young players, teaching discipline, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the ice.
His passion for the sport is evident in his continued dedication and in his long-standing connection to the Barry Callebaut hockey community, regularly traveling to take part in tournaments.
Alain’s commitment helps shape not only athletes, but confident individuals, making a lasting impact on the next generation.
Victoria Gazzo and Marise Uchida
Mrs. Marise Uchida
Regulatory Manager South LATAM
Sao Paulo / Brazil
Marise Uchida is a dedicated professional at Barry Callebaut, known for her expertise and commitment in Regulatory Affairs. Beyond her role, she is deeply engaged in social impact through her involvement with Instituto Semear, a non-profit supporting low-income university students.
As a mentor, Marise provides guidance, encouragement, and shares her experience to help young individuals unlock their potential and pursue meaningful careers. Her commitment goes even further, on her own birthday, she organized a donation campaign, inviting others to support the institute instead of giving gifts.
Marise’s actions reflect her generosity, integrity, and passion for empowering others, making her a true role model both inside and outside the company.
Victoria Gazzo and Mathieu Palstermans
Mr. Mathieu Palstermans
Visco site its controleur
Wieze / Belgium
Mathieu Palstermans is a highly committed community contributor who plays an active role in strengthening social connections. Through his long-standing involvement in the Scouts, first as a leader and now as a volunteer, he supports the development of young people with dedication and care.
He is also a key contributor to the local community association, helping organize events that bring people together and keep traditions alive. In addition, his visits to retirement homes help foster meaningful connections between generations.
Mathieu’s continued engagement reflects a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine commitment to community building.
Victoria Gazzo and Gunda Noetzold
Mrs. Gunda Noetzold
Senior Director Global Food Safety & Quality by Design
Zurich, Hamburg / Switzerland, Germany
Gunda Noetzold demonstrates exceptional dedication in both her personal life and her community. She has provided long-term care and support for her family, showing resilience and compassion in challenging times.
Beyond this, she is a passionate environmental advocate in her local community. Known for rescuing and caring for endangered animals, Gunda has become a trusted figure, neighbours regularly turn to her when wildlife needs help.
As a beekeeper, she further contributes to biodiversity and environmental protection. Her consistent and hands-on approach highlights a deep sense of responsibility for both people and the planet.
Hein Schumacher and Dejvis Murseli
Mr. Dejvis Murseli
Production Supervisor Team D
Novi sad / Serbia
Dejvis Murseli has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting communities in need, particularly in times of crisis. During the devastating floods in Obrenovac, he actively contributed to humanitarian relief efforts, helping organize and distribute essential supplies to affected families.
He has also supported communities in Kosovo and Metohija, assisting in the collection and delivery of aid to remote and vulnerable regions. Beyond material support, he brings encouragement and solidarity to those facing difficult circumstances.
Dejvis’s actions reflect empathy, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Shayona Gilliam and Hein Schumacher
Mrs. Shayona Gilliam
Team Lead, Production
Chicago / USA
Shayona Gilliam is a dedicated leader whose impact extends well beyond the workplace. She actively supports community outreach through mentorship programs for both young women and men, offering guidance, encouragement, and a path toward personal and professional growth.
Her commitment includes regular visits to homeless shelters across Chicago, organizing food drives, and providing support services to individuals in need. In addition, she contributes to community beautification through volunteering with local initiatives and the Chicago Park District.
Through her consistent and compassionate engagement, Shayona plays a vital role in strengthening and uplifting her community.
Gauthier Jacquet and Hein Schumacher
Mr. Gauthier Jacquet
R&D Project Assistant
Louviers / France
Gauthier Jacquet has been a volunteer firefighter for over 10 years, consistently dedicating himself to helping others in critical moments. His role requires reliability, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities he demonstrates every day.
In addition, he mentors young people through his climbing club, guiding them in both skill development and safety awareness. His approach ensures that participants can grow with confidence in both indoor and natural environments.
Gauthier’s commitment to service and education highlights his dedication to both protecting and inspiring others.
Patrick De Maeseneire and Edna Charles
Mrs. Edna Charles
Secretary & General Services Supervisor
Thema / Ghana
With 25 years at Barry Callebaut, Edna Charles is a pillar of dedication and reliability. Beyond her professional role, she has made a lasting impact in her community through her long-standing commitment to teaching children at her local church.
Every Sunday, she dedicates her time to mentoring young minds, an effort that has influenced hundreds of children, many of whom return years later to express their gratitude. In addition, Edna privately supports orphanages in her community through yearly donations, driven purely by personal conviction.
Widely respected across regions, Edna is recognized not only for what she does, but for how she consistently lives the company’s values with humility and care.
Patrick De Maeseneire and Joeri Houtman
Mr. Joeri Houtman
Polyvalent Operator
Lokeren / Belgium
Joeri Houtman has shown exceptional dedication by pursuing his qualification as a volunteer firefighter alongside his full-time role and family commitments. After completing more than 230 hours of training, he is close to finishing this demanding journey.
He actively applies his knowledge of safety within Barry Callebaut, contributing to evacuation improvements, supporting safety initiatives, and serving as a first intervention leader.
Joeri’s strong awareness and proactive approach to safety highlight his commitment to protecting others both at work and in his community.
