Astral Foods' CEO Chris Schutte has announced his retirement after being at the helm of the business for the past 16 years. In a statement issued on 8 August 2024, Johannesburg Stock exchange-listed Astral said Astral Foods said a formal replacement process has been initiated and a further announcement will be made once it has been completed. Schutte has overseen the business in good times and bad, including what it described as "the lowest point in Astral Foods' proud history" in 2023, as the company battled multiple headwinds.

Schutte has agreed to provide strategic consultancy services to Astral from 1 February 2025 for a period of one year. In the consultant role, he will focus on ensuring a smooth transition process with the incoming CEO, continue to facilitate key stakeholder engagement and provide strategic insight to the Astral executive team (Exco) and the board. With effect from 30 January 2025, at the Company's next Annual General Meeting.