ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Marine Stewardship Council, London
Professor Michel Kaiser, professor of Marine Conservation Ecology at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, was appointed new science and standards director. Kaiser’s research interests focus on achieving sustainable use of marine resources while minimizing impacts on the marine environment. He maintains expertise on the ecosystem of fishing on the seabed, data-poor fisheries and the use of spatial management measures to achieve conservation and fisheries objectives. Throughout his career, he has worked at the scientific interface between fisheries and conservation, and his research group provides scientific advice to the governments of Wales and the Isle of Man. Kaiser currently holds a number of public appointments, including member of the IUCN-Fisheries Expert Group, independent member of the UK Marine Science Coordination Committee and chair of the Seafish Industry Authority’s Science Advisory Group and Common Language Group. Past roles include acting as a board member of the UK Seafish Industry Authority from 2007-2105 and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee board from 2012-2017.
Washington Apple Commission, Wenatchee, Wash.
Michael Roche, owner of Roche Fruit, was elected chairman, taking over for outgoing chair Cass Gebbers. David Douglas, co-president of Douglas Fruit, was elected vice chairman. Re-elected for additional 3-year terms are Douglas, Gebbers, Frank Davis, Jim Thomas and Bob Mast.
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), Madison, Wis.
Angela Bozo was appointed education director, responsible for projects in professional development, research and training. Bozo joins the education team, which focuses on research, What’s in Store trends report, professional development, Show and Sell at the IDDBA show and training programs. She comes to IDDBA with 15 years of experience as the senior manager of retail event and merchandising at New Seasons Market, where she led the promotions teams for all store locations, including planning sales events, designing and driving programs and coordinating events. She was also the key liaison for all vendors for promotions, demo support and general inquiries.
Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), Washington, D.C.
Victor Smith and Kathryn Ault joined the board as grower representatives, while Martin Guerena was elected as a pest management expert and Laura MacCleery will represent consumer interests. Smith is president and CEO of JV Smith Cos., where he oversees a diverse group of operations with farming, cooling and distribution facilities in Arizona, Colorado and Mexico. Ault is vice president of sales for NatureSweet Tomatoes. Guerena is a sustainable agriculture specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and maintains experience as a teacher and farm manager to EFI’s board and standards committee. And, MacCleery is a director of policy and regulatory affairs for Center for Science in the Public Interest, where she provides strategic direction on a variety of issues, including food safety, labeling and consumer transparency, nutrition and public health policy.
AIB International, Manhattan, Kan.
Joining the 2018 board of trustees are Judy Abrams, Michael Leikam, Pat Murphy and Lucy Williams. Abrams is a financial and management consultant, with experience in a wide range of industries, including food, retail, commercial construction and non-profits. Prior to her consulting work, Abrams led corporate planning and acquisitions for The Earthgrains Co. She then provided internal investment strategies for Sara Lee Bakery after it acquired The Earthgrains Co. More recently, she served as chief financial officer for Tarlton Corp. Abrams serves on several non-profit boards and finance committees, including the Subdistrict Commission for the Missouri History Museum, the Capital Planning Committee for the Ladue School District and Planned Giving for the Jewish Federation. Leikam is president and CEO of Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC (CSCS), the supply chain cooperative for Applebee’s and IHOP. Before joining CSCS, he was executive director of strategic supply management for DineEquity. Leikam started in the restaurant industry working for Pizza Hut, which was a division of PepsiCo at the time. He held a variety of roles in the IT and finance functions before transferring to PepsiCo Restaurant Services (PRS), where he was one of several project directors responsible for managing the consolidation of the accounting and financial systems of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC into a single-shared service organization. Leikam previously served on the board of directors for the Spofford Home. Murphy is director, supply chain leader for General Mills’ convenience and foodservice segment, where he is responsible for the end-to-end supply chain. His career spans 30 years, as he has taken on increased responsibilities with General Mills across seven plants and three headquarters assignments. He was also instrumental in leading General Mills through one of its largest single capital investment projects. Murphy’s non-profit work includes several board chair positions with United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs, and currently sits on the board of advisors for the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School Supply Chain Management program. Williams is vice president and trust officer at The Trust Co. Williams began her career in banking in 1980 at the Union National Bank & Trust Co., where she was the assistant to the president. She later became the personnel director, where she was responsible for administering services for 90 employees, and then went on to become a personal banking officer assisting high net-worth customers with personalized banking services. When Union National was purchased by Commerce Bank in 1992, Williams was promoted to her current role. Williams is a member of the Konza Rotary Club, past chair of the board for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and is serving on the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee. She is a past board member of the KSU Research Foundation, Konza United Way, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, Manhattan Day Care, K-State’s Women’s Studies Program Advisory Council and past chair of the Meadowlark Hills Foundation.
Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), McLean, Va.
New to the executive committee are Jarrod McCarroll, president and CEO of Weber, Inc., will serve as chairman; Tom Kittle, president of Handtmann Inc. and Handtmann Canada Ltd., will serve as immediate past chairman; Edel Blanks, president of Intralox LLC, will serve as treasurer; Dan Plante, director of sales and marketing for JBT FoodTech, will serve as chairman of the membership committee; and Brian Perkins, executive vice president, Americas at Provisur Technologies Inc., will serve as chairman of the show committee. Gil Williams, president USA and Canada of Poly-clip System, assumed the role of chairman of the FPSA Foundation. Additionally, Perkins was elected chairman of the Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance (MISA); Bob Campbell, president and general manager of Marlen International, was elected vice chairman of MISA; Tony Graves, project manager of The Dennis Group, was elected chairman of the Bakery Council; Dante Pietrinferni, president of Packaging Progressions, Inc., was elected vice chairman of the Bakery Council; Glenn LeBlanc, vice president and division manager of ILC Dover, was elected chairman of the Dairy Council; and Greg Thompson, sales manager, Southern region of CP Packaging LLC, was elected vice chairman of the Dairy Council.
PROCESSORS/RETAILERS/DISTRIBUTORS:
Seaboard Corp., Merriam, Kan.
Darwin "Duke" Sand was named president and CEO of Seaboard Foods LLC, succeeding Terry Holton, who recently announced his retirement. Sand maintains more than 30 years of pork industry experience. Sand joined Seaboard Foods in 1996, and was instrumental in building Seaboard Foods' reputation as a leading U.S. pork exporter. Prior to becoming Seaboard Foods' senior vice president of sales with responsibilities for all sales and marketing in 2011, he was in charge of the Seaboard Foods' pork export business as vice president of international sales. Sand started his career at IBP, Inc. in 1987, and held a variety of sales leadership roles until 1996.
The Kroger Co., Cincinnati
Rebekah Manis was promoted to director of investor relations, succeeding Kate Ward, who was promoted to president of Kroger Personal Finance. Manis joined Kroger in 1994 as a cashier in Kroger's Louisville, Ky., division. Upon graduating college, she joined the company's regional accounting service center as a finance manager. In 2004, she was promoted to the capital management team, where she served in various leadership roles for a decade. In 2014, Manis was promoted to senior financial manager for Our Brands, where she served until she was promoted to her current role as corporate controller for merchandising, where she leads financial budgeting, forecasting and reporting for the enterprise. Ward began her Kroger career in 2001 as an auditor. She spent 10 years in capital management before serving as director of investor relations since 2015.
Saputo Inc., Canada
Carl Colizza, president and COO of Canada’s dairy division, will take on additional leadership of the dairy division in Argentina, taking over for Kai Bockmann, who was named president and COO of the company, effective April 1. Also, Paul Corney, president and COO of the U.S. dairy foods division, announced plans to retire within the next 12-24 months, after close to 20 years of service with Saputo.
MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc., East Rutherford, N.J.
Lawrence Morgenstein was appointed chief financial officer, effective April 1, succeeding Lewis Ochs, who retired March 31, after serving as the company’s CFO since 2008. Morgenstein maintains more than 20 years of senior level finance experience. He most recently served as controller at Emerging Power, Inc., and prior to that, was treasurer/controller at Elaut USA, Inc. He was also controller at Mama Mia Produce, and controller at New Gericare Institutional Pharmacy, which was later acquired by Omnicare, a CVS Health company. He has also provided consulting services to non-profit organizations, including New York Center for the Living and The Legal Aid Society.
Hostess Brands, LLC, Kansas City, Mo.
C. Dean Metropoulos, the company’s executive chairman, expanded his duties to become interim president and CEO, taking over for William Toler, who retired as president and CEO March 30.
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., Jackson, Miss.
Sherman Miller, vice president and chief operating officer, will assume the duties of president and COO, effective March 30. Miller has been employed with Cal-Maine Foods for over 21 years. Prior to his current position, he served as vice president of operations and general manager of the company’s Chase, Kan., office. He also served in management positions at processing plants in Delta, Utah, and Edwards, Miss. He is a member of the board of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association.
High Liner Foods Inc., Canada
Rod Hepponstall was appointed president and CEO, effective May 1, taking over for Henry Demone, chairman and CEO, who will continue as chairman of the board of directors of High Liner Foods. Hepponstall maintains 25 years of experience working in the food industry, working in both retail and foodservice in the United States and Canada. He has held positions of increasing responsibility at several publically traded food companies, including Lamb-Weston, Inc., ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Maple Leaf Foods. He most recently served as senior vice president, general manager retail and foodservice business units at Lamb Weston.
Lamb Weston, Eagle, Idaho
Mike Smith was appointed senior vice president and general manager, foodservice and retail, assuming leadership of the foodservice and retail business units, including Alexia, Grown in Idaho, licensed brands, and private label items to grocers and other retailers. Smith has been with Lamb Weston for more than 10 years, most recently as senior vice president of growth and strategy, and previous to that, he led the retail business unit as vice president and general manager. Smith succeeds Rod Hepponstall, who is leaving the company to become chief executive officer of High Liner Foods (see above).
Capespan North America, Canada
Francis Werner was appointed director of USA operations, responsible for directing all aspects of operational procedures and disciplines in the United States, from vessel discharge through product clearance, regulatory compliance, quality control, inventory management, value-adding processes and product expediting. Werner will also take a leadership role in Capespan North America’s relationship with the various port operators and service providers and serve as its primary operational liaison with the U.S. government agencies that regulate the importation and distribution of fresh produce. Werner maintains over 25 years of experience in fresh produce operations, including positions in port operations and general operations management of fresh produce imports. Also, Eric Jones was named director of USA sales, responsible for executing the U.S. sales strategy, leading and directing the sales team, managing key customer relationships, expanding sales and developing business. Jones maintains over 15 years of diversified fresh produce sales experience. He began his career as a fresh produce category director with a major food retailer in Western Pennsylvania, and continued in California where he served as sales director for a large California citrus and table grape grower, packer and shipper. Most recently, Jones served as senior sales representative on the East Coast for a fresh produce importer and distributor.
Market Fresh Produce, Nixa, Mo.
William Wessels joined as senior director of supply chain management, responsible for the oversight and direction of the global sourcing, logistics and category management of all current and future commodities. Wessels will also provide input in the company’s aggressive acquisition growth strategy. Wessels has been in the produce industry for over six years, spending his last two years as senior demand manager of produce for Walmart Stores Inc.
Ahold Delhaize, The Netherlands
Frans Muller was appointed chief executive officer, effective July 1, succeeding Dick Boer, who is stepping down. Muller maintains more than 20 years of experience in retail, and has served as deputy CEO and chief integration officer of Ahold Delhaize since July 24, 2016. He also led Delhaize America on an interim basis from October 2016 until January 2018. Prior to the merger between Ahold and Delhaize, Muller served as president and CEO of Delhaize Group from 2013. Before joining Delhaize Group, he served on the management board of Metro AG for seven years and was chief executive officer of Metro Cash & Carry for five years. Meanwhile, Jan Hommen was appointed chairman of the supervisory board, succeeding Mats Jansson, who announced plans to retire, effective April 11. Jansson has been chairman of the supervisory board since the merger between Ahold and Delhaize Group in July 2016. Prior to that, he served as chairman of the board of directors of Delhaize Group. Hommen has been vice chairman of the supervisory board since July 2016. Prior to the merger, Hommen served as chairman of Ahold's supervisory board since 2013. Between 2003-2007, he was vice chairman of the supervisory board of Ahold and chairman of the audit committee. Hommen maintains an executive background as vice chairman of the board of management at Royal Philips Electronics and as chief executive officer of ING Group and KPMG the Netherlands. Johnny Thijs and Patrick De Maeseneire will also step down after having indicated that they are unable to continue the membership of the supervisory board with their other commitments. Bill McEwan was appointed vice chairman, succeeding Hommen.
Del Monte Foods, Walnut Creek, Calif.
Brian Pitzele was appointed vice president, foodservice, responsible for overseeing the brand’s foodservice business. Pitzele maintains vast experience in the foodservice industry, including more than 30 years at Hormel Foods Corp., where he held multiple positions in sales, marketing and management roles. Most recently, he was director of foodservice at Farmer John Foods, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc.
The company announced a strategic reorganization to better position it in the rapidly changing food industry landscape. This new structure organizes Campbell’s core business operations, including its soup, simple meals, shelf-stable beverages and snacks portfolios, under the leadership of Luca Mignini, Campbell’s president, global biscuits and snacks, who will add chief executive officer to his title. Mignini will now also lead the meals and beverages units, the company’s U.S. sales organization and the global product development group within research and development. Mignini joined Campbell in 2013 as president, Campbell International. Previously, he spent more than two years as chief executive officer of IGLO Group’s Findus Italy division. Before that, Mignini worked at SC Johnson for more than 20 years. Also, Ana Dominguez was appointed president, Campbell Fresh, succeeding Ed Carolan, who is leaving to pursue another opportunity. Dominguez joined Campbell in 2014 as president, Campbell Canada. Previous to that, she worked at SC Johnson in marketing and management roles since 1997. Under Dominguez’s leadership, the Canadian business has demonstrated strong growth and margin expansion in its key businesses. Emily Waldorf was promoted to senior vice president, corporate strategy, and will continue to lead enterprise strategy development, planning and measurement as well as the company’s new Accelerator unit. Waldorf joined Campbell in 2012 as director, corporate development, and previously held corporate development roles at Discovery Communications and AT&T Corp. She also served as a special advisor at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Carlos Barroso, senior vice president, global research and development, will move to a strategic advisory role within the Campbell snacks business. Bethmara Kessler, who previously served as senior vice president, integrated global services, left the company to pursue other opportunities. Anthony DiSilvestro, senior vice president and CFO, will now oversee many of Campbell’s integrated global services, including financial planning and analysis and information technology.
SunFed Ranch, Woodland, Calif.
John Flynn was hired as vice president of sales. Flynn maintains more than 25 years of industry experience. Most recently, he was vice president of beef sales, marketing, product management and category management at JBS USA, where he led a large sales and marketing team and developed revenue-generating strategies. Prior to JBS USA, he was vice president of key account management and field sales at Cargill, Inc., and before that, a regional sales manager at Johnsonville Sausage, LLC.
FOODSERVICE:
Dunkin' Donuts, Canton, Mass.
Keith Lusby was named new vice president, media, tasked with leading the company’s U.S. media planning, buying and placement strategies, including traditional media programming, innovative digital and emerging media partnerships. Lusby maintains 25 years of marketing experience, leading integrated campaigns for several global consumer brands. He comes to Dunkin' Brands from MullenLowe Mediahub, where he led a 140-person media team supporting campaigns for brands such as Chipotle, JetBlue, Ulta Beauty and Staples. Previously, Lusby held leadership positions with Carat and Young & Rubicam, designing media strategies and plans for brands, including Reebok, Pfizer, AT&T and Procter & Gamble.
Goalz Restaurant Group, Cheyenne, Wyo.
The franchise operator of Captain D's, Church's Chicken and Dog Haus appointed Steve Piascik as partner and CFO, responsible for creating and establishing yearly financial objectives that align with the company's plans for growth and expansion. He will also work to maintain relationships with vendors and business partners while providing recommendations on new investment opportunities. Piascik brings more than 28 years of financial expertise with a focus in complex accounting and tax consulting. He founded PIASCIK, and previous to that, served as a senior tax manager for KPMG LLP, where he managed finances for technology and emerging growth companies.
Taco Bueno Restaurants, Irving, Texas
Industry veteran Omar Janjua was appointed chief executive officer, effective immediately, responsible for overseeing a team of corporate executives and more than 2,700 employees in four states. Janjua brings more than 35 years of quick-service restaurant leadership. He most recently served as chief executive officer of The Krystal Co., and previous to that, was president and COO of Sonic, where he oversaw operations, training, franchising, developing and quality assurance. Janjua also served as vice president and COO at Steak ‘n Shake after 18 years with Pizza Hut, where he provided support to 75 franchise groups operating 2,600 restaurants in 27 states.
Captain D's, Nashville, Tenn.
Brad Reed was promoted to chief development officer, responsible for spearheading the company’s growth through franchising and real estate development in key target markets throughout the country, as well as driving new franchisee recruitment. Reed has been with Captain D’s for more than 7 years, having previously served as vice president of franchise operations. He joined Captain D's in 2010 as vice president of franchise operations, tasked with guiding the company's franchise network and spearheading strategies to expand the brand's footprint. Prior to joining Captain D's, he was a franchisee with Salsarita's Fresh Cantina and Texas Roadhouse, and worked in operations at Logan's Roadhouse. He maintains experience overseeing new store openings, real estate, area development, marketing and training.
McAlister's Deli, Atlanta
Veteran leader Joe Guith was promoted to brand president. Guith joined FOCUS Brands, McAlister’s Deli’s parent company, in 2014 as chief operating officer for Cinnabon, and quickly assumed the role of brand president in 2015. In the three years Guith was president, he drove significant P&L results through strong performance management, application of process-driven improvements and building collaborative, high-performing teams. Prior to joining FOCUS, Guith held roles in general management and strategy with Coca-Cola, where he served as vice president, global business development and vice president, vending operations, and Yum! Brands, where he served as general manager, KFC, South territory.
SUPPLIERS:
Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS), Norfolk, Va.
Michael McClellan was named vice president strategic planning. McClellan joined Conrail’s general marketing and sales organization in 1985. In 1998, he was named assistant vice president performance planning for Norfolk Southern, became vice president intermodal and automotive marketing in 2000, and vice president industrial products in 2013. And, Claude “Ed” Elkins was named vice president industrial products. Elkins joined Norfolk Southern as a road brakeman in 1988. After serving as a conductor and an engineer, he joined NS’ marketing department as pricing coordinator. He’s also served in positions of increasing responsibility in the intermodal and automotive group and currently serves as group vice president industrial products. Both appointments take effect April 1.
ESI Group USA, Hartland, Wis.
Jason Weber was promoted to a project manager for ESI’s construction arm. Previously, Weber was a senior design team leader, with expertise in ESI’s services and client base. He maintains 18 years of experience working in the design and construction of food facilities.
Anchor Packaging, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.
Richard Daniels was appointed vice president, strategy and information technology. Daniels brings over 30 years’ experience in plastics packaging and technology, manufacturing and innovation with companies such as Monsanto, Solutia and Honeywell. He most recently served as co-founder and COO of a consumer electronics company acquired by Harman International.
Spireon, Irvine, Calif.
Rashid Ismail was tapped as senior vice president of customer success, responsible for customer lifecycle management. Ismail maintains nearly 20 years of experience, most recently at CoreLogic, where he served as senior vice president of operations with a focus on improving customer retention, productivity and processes. Prior to that, he was vice president, head of broker dealer and retail customer experience at MetLife insurance.
Navistar International Corp., Lisle, Ill.
Friedrich Baumann joined as senior vice president, strategy and planning, effective April 2, where he will lead Navistar's strategic planning, product planning and analytics teams. He also oversees Navistar's strategic alliance with Volkswagen Truck and Bus. Baumann comes to Navistar following a 24-year career at Daimler Trucks, where he most recently served as senior vice president at Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), heading the aftermarket business unit. Prior to that, he was the managing director of Engine Holding GmbH, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce plc. From 2009-2011, Baumann was the group director of strategy and business development for global truck, bus and van divisions of Daimler AG. Prior to that, he was president of Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC, and at the same time, served on the boards of Atlantic Detroit Diesel Allison LLC and Florida Detroit Diesel Allison LLC. He began his career with Freightliner in 1993, and has held a number of roles of increasing responsibilities in many areas of the company in both the United States and Germany.
Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, Wis.
Nancy Berce joined as chief information officer, succeeding John Repko, who is leaving the company after two years of service to pursue other East Coast opportunities. Berce most recently served as vice president of business and technology services for Abbott Laboratories. She joined Abbott in 1996, and has held a number of leadership positions, including serving as the company's chief information officer, where she was responsible for the IT, cybersecurity, digital and analytic services organizations.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), Darien, Conn.
Bruce Carter and Cynthia Hostetler were appointed to the board of directors. Carter maintains extensive public company board experience in Australia, and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Bank of Queensland Ltd., SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd. and Aventus Capital Ltd. Carter is also chairman of ASC Pty Ltd. (formerly Australian Submarine Corp.), and chairs the South Australian Premier’s Climate Change Council. Carter has served as a director of G&W’s Australian subsidiary, Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd., since 2011. He was a founding managing partner of Ferrier Hodgson, Adelaide from 1992-2012, and previously served as partner of Ernst & Young, Australia. Hostetler maintains extensive public company and advisory board experience in the United States, and currently serves on the board of directors of Vulcan Materials Co., on the boards of trustees of the Invesco Funds and on the board of managers of TriLinc Global Impact Fund, LLC. She was head of investment funds of Overseas Private Investment Corp. from 2001-2009, and served in various capacities, including as a member of the board, president and general counsel of First Manhattan Bancorporation, formerly First Savings Bank, from 1991-2006. In conjunction with the new appointments, Richard Allert and Hans Michael Norkus will not stand for re-election at the end of their terms in May.
Symphony RetailAI, Dallas, Texas
Mike Bristol was named vice president personalized marketing, responsible for taking to market the company’s personalized marketing solutions and helping retailers and CPGs increase sales by engaging with shoppers more effectively. Bristol most recently led marketing, sales and product management as the chief revenue officer for Endowance Solutions. He maintains over 20 years of experience in customer relationship management in roles such as product management, sales and consulting for Ellucian, Infor, SAP, Baan and Aurum Software.
Interroll, Wilmington, N.C.
Dr. Ralf Garlichs, executive vice president products and technology, announced plans to leave the company by the end of June. Garlichs joined the Interroll Group in 2006 as executive vice president drives and rollers. He has been in his current position since 2011.
IN MEMORIUM: ANDREW BALDUCCI, BALDUCCI’S
Andrew Balducci, owner of the Balducci’s food store in Greenwich Village, N.Y., passed away March 22.
Balducci left the family produce business in 1960 to work in his father-in-law’s masonry in Great Neck, N.Y. During his 8-year tenure there, he secured major contracts throughout the city and Long Island, including laying the marble for several exhibition buildings at the 1964 World’s Fair. He returned to work with his father at Balducci’s in 1968.
Because Balducci’s purveyed the finest produce in the city, Balducci spearheaded the import of many Italian specialties as well as exotic items such as Iranian caviar, French foie gras and Spanish Serrano ham.
The business was sold in 1998, and Balducci and his wife Nina spent retirement between their home in East Williston on Long Island, and on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Balducci is survived by Nina, two daughters, Marta and Andrea, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
