Nexture S.p.A., a global group specialising in the development and manufacturing of high-quality food ingredients and value-added solutions, held by independently managed investment subsidiaries of funds managed by Investindustrial – announced today that Valerie Diele-Braun has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2026. Gabriele Del Torchio will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, and will continue to provide strategic guidance to the organisation.
In her new role, Ms. Diele-Braun will lead Nexture’s global operations, driving growth across the group’s portfolio of value‑added solutions, such as functional ingredients, fruit and cream fillings, and gelato ingredients, while enhancing operational excellence and integration initiatives related to Nexture’s recently signed acquisitions.
Ms. Diele-Braun brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience across specialty ingredients and chemicals, with a strong track record in operational excellence, portfolio development, and value creation at scale.
“I am pleased to welcome Valerie as Nexture’s new CEO,” commented Gabriele Del Torchio, “Her extensive experience in leading global organisations with an entrepreneurial spirit, while driving sustainable growth, makes her uniquely qualified to guide Nexture through its next phase of development. Valerie’s leadership will be instrumental in driving the organic growth of the group, while enhancing its operational efficiency and driving performance. I’m excited to continue contributing to Nexture’s success as Executive Chairman, and to support Valerie and our talented management team.”
Valerie’s Background
“I am delighted to join Nexture as CEO at such an important moment in the group’s history,” said Valerie Diele-Braun. “Nexture’s differentiated portfolio of high‑quality, value‑added ingredients positions the group as a trusted partner to food industry customers worldwide. I look forward to building on this strong foundation, working closely with the leadership team and with Gabriele Del Torchio as Executive Chairman.”
Prior to joining Nexture, Ms. Diele-Braun served as CEO of IMCD, a leading global specialty chemicals distributor headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Prior to IMCD, she served for five years as CEO of CABB, a global fine chemicals leader based in Sulzbach, Germany. During this tenure, she also served as a member of the scienceindustries board, Switzerland’s premier life-science and pharmaceutical business association, and on the board of the family-owned Lehmann & Voss Group.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Diele‑Braun held senior leadership roles at Archroma, where she served as Business President, at DSM Nutritional Products as Vice President Sales and Product Management, and in several executive positions at Givaudan/Quest.
Her international career has taken her across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, providing her with deep cross-cultural leadership and global operating experience.
