Wes Saber

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 ten years. HARIBO is the world’s leading manufacturer of gummi products and the original inventor of the gummi bear. The business has a 100-year history and today employs nearly 7,000 Associates and operates 16 production sites in 10 countries. Mr. Saber spearheaded the addition of HARIBO’s latest production site, soon bringing the total to 17 factories in 11 countries.

The latest production site is HARIBO’s first-ever North American manufacturing facility. Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., it’s set to begin production in 2023 and will be one of the largest confectionery plants in the U.S. and a historic milestone for the company. The nearly $300 million project 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 third warehouse in the U.S. and first in Wis. Located in Bristol, Wis., the warehouse opened in 2022 and is expanding distribution capabilities, amplifying customer service and paving the way for efficient U.S. production. Both the factory and warehouse are bringing hundreds of career opportunities to Southeastern Wisconsin.

Mr. Saber takes a holistic approach to international operations between the company and its affiliates, ensuring that the global reach of HARIBO is successful in the U.S. Under Mr. Saber’s leadership, HARIBO of America, Inc. has seen double-digit growth since its relocation from Baltimore, Md. to Rosemont, Ill. in 2014. 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.

A lifelong learner, 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. In addition to English, Mr. Saber is fluent in Arabic and also speaks Turkish and French. He is on the Board of Directors of the Business and Professional Coalition Steering Committee at Carthage College as well as the Board of Directors of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation. 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 as a member of the Foundation Board, Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee, Executive Committee, as Chair of the Audit Committee, and as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors.