Mondelez CEO Defends Staying in Russia Despite War Criticism

The chief executive of Mondelez International, the maker of Cadbury chocolate, has defended the company’s decision to continue operating in Russia, while acknowledging concerns that its tax payments contribute to Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, Dearbail Jordan and Leanna Byrne reported for BBC News.

Mondelez is facing scrutiny over its continued operations in Russia. (Photo: Cadbury UK Facebook)

Chief Executive Dirk Van de Put said it was the “right decision” to remain in Russia after the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He argued that withdrawing would have jeopardized thousands of jobs and potentially left the company vulnerable to the Russian government taking control of its local operations.

Many Western companies, including McDonald’s, exited Russia following the invasion.

Mondelez, however, said it halted new investments in the country and suspended advertising spending while continuing operations.

Speaking as part of the BBC’s “Big Boss Interview” series, Van de Put said, “I think over time you try to be neutral in the whole conflict. We're not trying to take any side. I think we did the right thing for our people in Russia.”

He acknowledged the criticism the company faces, adding: “We pay taxes in Russia that help fund the war. I'm not pleased about that.”

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mondelez’s Russian operations have reportedly generated annual sales of between $1 billion and $1.4 billion.