President Paul: Amy’s Kitchen Appoints Schiefer As New Prexy

Amy’s Kitchen is promoting longtime company executive Paul Schiefer to President, one of several personnel changes announced by the organic and natural food maker today.

Schiefer, a 16-year veteran of Petaluma, California-based Amy’s who has “touched nearly every facet of the business,” had been serving as Interim President of Amy’s Drive Thru and VP of Impact & Communications. As President, he will be charged with overseeing employee engagement, supply chain, sales and marketing, technology, and Amy’s Drive Thru, of which the company has opened four restaurants since its debut in 2015.

“I am honored to lead Amy’s Kitchen into the next generation and to continue Andy and Rachel’s legacy,” said Schiefer in a press release. “My job is to ensure that we continue to deliver great-tasting food that is also good for the planet. My first order of business is to listen to our employees and farmers to hear how we can improve and build on our success.”

Schiefer takes charge of Amy’s as the frozen meal-focused company is attempting to move on from a series of challenges over the past two years, ranging from rising input costs, a failed production plant and allegations of unfair and unsafe labor practices in two facilities. The brand has plans to keep growing, including a 40,000 square foot plant set to open this summer in Goshen, New York and three new locations of its vegan fast-food concept Amy’s Drive Thru opening in Southern California this year.

Amy’s new president will report directly to CEO and co-founder Andy Berliner, who’s attention will be on the company’s financial portfolio, as well as “culinary ideation and product development.”

“Our mission has always been about taking care of our employees, our customers, and the planet,” said Berliner. “We are confident that Paul is the right person to lead our company forward and to continue our legacy. He has a deep understanding of what makes our company special, and we are excited for the future under his leadership.”

Schaefer’s appointment comes just over a week after Amy’s announced another internal promotion, with Goretti Hamlin moving to the position of Chief People Officer. Hamlin, a former Amy’s employee, returned to the company as VP of human resources in January.

Amy’s has also appointed three new members to its board of directors: Andrew Woeber, former Partner at Centerview Partners; Beth Springer, former EVP of the Clorox Company; and Michael Funk, Organic Industry Pioneer and Founder of United Natural Foods, Inc. They join founders Andy and Rachel Berliner.

“We are thrilled to have such a strong and experienced board to help guide us into the future,” said Berliner. “We are confident that our new leadership team and board will work together seamlessly to continue delivering on our mission and providing organic, plant-based meals that are accessible to all.”