Wes Saber
Chief Financial Officer, HARIBO of America
Wes Saber has been an international leader in innovative management philosophy and business strategy for more than 25 years. His expertise in developing global enterprises has led him to his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for HARIBO of America, the #1 gummi brand in the U.S.Mr. Saber has been the CFO and a Board member of HARIBO for nearly a decade. HARIBO, the world’s leading manufacturer of gummi products and the original inventor of the gummi bear, has a 100-year history and employs nearly 7,000 Associates around the world. Mr. Saber spearheaded the addition of HARIBO’s latest production site; HARIBO’s first-ever North American manufacturing facility.
A historic milestone for the company, the manufacturing facility is set to begin production in 2023 and will be one of the largest confectionery plants in the U.S. The nearly $400 million project is located in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and represents one of the largest direct investments by an international company in Wisconsin history. In addition to the manufacturing facility, Mr. Saber also led the development of HARIBO’s U.S. supply network, creating over 4,200 direct and indirect new jobs.
Under Mr. Saber’s leadership, HARIBO of America, Inc. has seen double-digit growth; Mr. Saber’s expertise in finance, business planning, supply chain management and human resources has positioned HARIBO well to lead the gummi category through innovative products, efficient processes and attracting and retaining top talent. In 2021, Fortune recognized HARIBO of America as one of the top 25 small/medium companies in Manufacturing and Production, and the business was also recognized as a Great Place to Work.
Prior to joining HARIBO, Mr. Saber held leadership roles in 25 countries around the world, including Turkey, Egypt, Africa, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. His most recent role was with Mars, Inc. where he worked with the chocolate segment to develop the business in Europe, Russia, and the U.S. He has also held leadership roles in finance and marketing with Pizza Hut and KPMG.
Mr. Saber earned his M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University and has continued his education at Harvard Business School and the Center for Creative Leadership. He is on the Board of Directors for universities including the Business and Professional Coalition Steering Committee at Carthage College, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation, and the University of California-Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education.
Mr. Saber is also an active Board Member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and the German American Chamber of Commerce Midwest. He is also an active member of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, holding the position of Vice Chair on the KABA Board, the Executive Committee of KABA, and the Board of the KABA Foundation.
Mr. Saber is also active in community giving both personally and on behalf of HARIBO, leading partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, Union League Boys and Girls Club of Chicago and the German International School of Chicago to support and expand educational programming, renovate classrooms and revitalize outdoor spaces. In 2021, Mr. Saber and HARIBO were recognized with the Community Giving Award by the German International School of Chicago.
Well-traveled and multiculturally aware, Mr. Saber is passionate about engaged, diverse environments and has a deep appreciation for collaboration, cultural learning, and inclusion.