Columbia Group has appointed Andreas Hadjipetrou as chief executive officer, replacing Mark O’Neil, who is stepping down on what the company described as “extremely good terms” under its succession plan.

At the same time, Demetris Chrysostomou, the group’s chief executive officer for Asia, was named deputy chief executive officer, in a move aimed at strengthening Columbia’s leadership and regional presence. 

O’Neil said his role at Columbia had been to deliver transformational change and that this task had now been completed. 

“My job at Columbia was to bring about transformational change and that task has now been completed. It is time to hand over the reins and to seek fresh challenges. I know I leave Columbia in very safe hands and in a very good shape,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Heinrich Schoeller, chairman of Schoeller Holdings, Columbia Group’s owner, thanked O’Neil for what he described as his exceptional leadership and contribution during his tenure, while also wishing him well for the future. He added that the two would remain firm friends going forward. 

Hadjipetrou, for his part, is one of the organisation’s longest-serving executives, having spent nearly 30 years with the company.  

As such, his appointment brings deep operational knowledge, continuity and longstanding leadership experience to the role.