Executive vice president and CFO
HARIBO of America | Kenosha
Wes Saber is executive vice president and chief financial officer of gummy candy manufacturer HARIBO of America. Saber spearheaded the development of the German-based company’s $400 million factory in Pleasant Prairie, one of the largest confectionary plants in the U.S. and HARIBO’s first North American manufacturing facility. HARIBO has nearly 7,000 employees around the world. Saber is on the board of directors for the Business and Professional Coalition Steering Committee at Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation. He’s a board member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and is vice chair of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance board.
Education: Bachelor’s, Cairo University; MBA, Northern Illinois University
Advice for first-time leaders: “Be true to who you are and that you’re still part of a team. Being authentic and humble are critical traits of an exemplary leader.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The first place that comes to my mind and heart as my favorite is the Boys & Girls Clubs. Spending time with the club kids and seeing how they’re supported in learning and developing is energizing, and it fills me with hope.”
Favorite part of the workday: “Seeing and talking with all our associates. In our HARIBO community, our people are our greatest asset, and getting to know each other and celebrating together is a big part of our culture.”