Ritter Sport UK announced today a planned leadership transition following Benedict Daniels's decision to resign as Managing Director after more than a decade leading the UK & Ireland business.
Christian Boulter, currently Sales Director, has been appointed Managing Director, ensuring continuity as the family-owned German chocolate manufacturer builds on a sustained period of exceptional growth in the UK.
The transition comes at a pivotal point in Ritter Sport's UK journey. Over the past decade, the business has evolved from a niche European chocolate brand into the UK's fastest-growing block chocolate brand, surpassing £25 million in UK retail sales, expanding distribution across every major grocery retailer and establishing itself as one of the category's leading challenger brands.
Before joining Ritter Sport in 2014, Daniels built a successful FMCG career with leading food businesses including Ferrero, Britvic and Kettle Foods, bringing more than 25 years of commercial experience to the role. During his tenure, he transformed the UK business from a small operation into one of Ritter Sport's strongest international markets, introducing millions of consumers to the brand while remaining committed to its long-standing belief that quality chocolate should be accessible to everyone.
Boulter succeeds Daniels after he joined Ritter Sport in 2025 and quickly established himself as a key member of the UK leadership team. Working closely alongside Daniels, he has helped shape the company's commercial strategy, strengthen relationships with major retail partners and support a number of Ritter Sport's most significant retail wins, marketing activations and distribution gains. His appointment reflects the company's commitment to continuity and confidence in the strength of its internal leadership team.
"After more than a decade leading Ritter Sport UK & Ireland, I've taken the decision to move on and begin a new chapter in my career," said Benedict Daniels.
"I leave knowing the business is in a strong position. Christian is an outstanding leader who understands our consumers, customers, ambitions and our culture. I couldn't think of a better person to lead the next phase of Ritter Sport's growth, and I wish him and the whole team every success."
Benedict DanielsImage: Ritter Sport UK
Christian Boulter said: "It is a real privilege to take on the role of Managing Director at such a pivotal time for the business. Benedict leaves behind an outstanding team, strong customer relationships, and a business with genuine momentum.
"Consumers are buying chocolate differently today. They may be buying less often, but they're expecting more from every purchase. That's why we'll continue investing in quality, innovation and distribution, helping even more consumers discover Ritter Sport while delivering sustainable growth for our retail partners.
"I'd also like to thank Ben personally for everything he has done for the business. The foundations he has built over the past decade give us an incredibly strong platform for the future, and I'm very much looking forward to leading the next chapter of Ritter Sport's growth across the UK and Ireland."