MAX strengthens management team with Claes Petersson on a new role

Stockholm 10/25/2018 1:24 PM (Updated 1/8/2020 2:25 PM)

Claes Petersson has accepted the position as Vice President / Innovation and Development Manager for MAX Burgers globally and begins on December 1st. The role has been tailored to Claes Petersson's  extensive skills and international experience in the retail and restaurant business.

 "We are very happy and proud that Claes has chosen to join MAX when he and his family return to Sweden after twelve years in the United States," says Richard Bergfors, CEO of MAX Burgers. “He will work closely with us in the owner family and lead the team for product development as well as purchasing and supply chain.”

Claes Petersson has lived in the United States for the past twelve years and has had leadership positions in international companies such as Campbell Soup, Godiva Chocolate, Sonic Drive-In and most previously as Chief Innovation Officer at Yum Brands, including Pizza Hut. Claes has in all positions been in charge of development and innovation. At Godiva Chocolate, he developed the product range to move the position as a traditional chocolate company into a modern and colorful brand. On Sonic Drive-In, sales increased with $ 600 million over a few years through Claes's focus on food quality and innovative solutions.

"I am honored to become a part of MAX's success story, and I share the strong passion for taste and quality, which exists within the company. MAX has also a leading position among the world's restaurant companies in sustainability and climate-smart food, which I find extremely inspiring, says Claes Petersson.

Before the years in the United States, Claes owned and operated an award-winning restaurant in Kristianstad in southern Sweden, and cooking great tasting food is still a big part of his interest. In addition to gathering the family around the dinner table, Claes likes to exercise in his spare time, play the guitar and write music.

"Claes's expertise in innovation and concept development and his passion for food, flavors and products will help us, together with the rest of the MAX team, take further steps towards the vision to be the world's best burger chain," says Richard Bergfors.