Campbell’s reshuffled its executive lineup once again in recent weeks, just four months after CEO Mark Clouse departed to lead NFL team The Washington Commanders. In the past week the company promoted SVP and GM of the soup company’s Canada business, Elizabeth Duggan, to president of Campbell’s Snacks division, effective May 12.
Additionally, current SVP and Snacks CMO Janda Lukon has been moved into the newly created role of chief growth officer, effective June 2. In her new role Lukon will be responsible for accelerating growth initiatives across the organization; she previously led a strategy that returned the company’s soup segment to growth in 2016. Both individuals will report to Campbell’s president and CEO Mick Beekhuizen.
Duggun succeeds current Snacks president Chris Foley, who is departing in July after nearly 25 years at Campbell’s. She will be responsible for overseeing long-term growth and margin expansion. In her current role, she has led the successful launch of LTO Goldfish varieties and new innovations like Air Fried Kettle Brand chips in the Canadian market.
“Elizabeth and Janda have each played pivotal roles in transforming Campbell’s over the last several years,” Beekhuizen said in a press release. “Elizabeth is a strong operator and culture builder with a track record of fostering winning teams…Janda brings a history of high performance at Campbell’s and elsewhere leading brand strategy, marketing, insights and innovation. She has the expertise and vision needed to accelerate our growth and deliver top-tier performance.”
Thrive Market Names New Merchandising Hires
Online grocer Thrive Market added four new employees to its merchandising team this month, including Kelly Nigh as VP of strategic merchandising initiatives, Natalie Wieder as VP of category management, Bri Waldoch as senior director of owned brands and Yvette Lemieux as director of category management.
Nigh previously served as chief merchandising officer at Imperfect Foods and Misfits Market while Wieder joined from Amazon, where she held a variety of roles across the mass retailer’s Amazon Fresh, Health, Pharmacy and Private brands segments. Waldoch hails from Gopuff where she previously led the instant delivery service’s private brands segment; Lemieux joins from MiLa and has held positions at Amazon and Target as a buyer.
According to Thrive, these four key senior hires will accelerate its “hyper-curated catalog and our owned brand innovation engine… Each brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of scaling high-impact, member-first merchandising strategies.”
Baldor Names New President
Former CEO and co-founder of FreshDirect, David McInerney, has been appointed the new president of specialty food distribution company Baldor. He brings over 30 years of retailing experience to the role and will work closely with CEO TJ Murphy as they develop future growth initiatives.
“Dave and I have known each other for years, and I couldn’t be happier for him to join Baldor,” said Murphy, in a press release. “We both love great food, and we have a shared view of what quality means in sourcing and service. Our strengths complement each other – while I love long-term innovation, his passion and expertise is bridging the present with the next several years and ensuring executional excellence.”
McInerey also served as FreshDirect’s “Chief Food Adventurer,” where he traveled the world to source new ingredients and forge relationships with top producers. Prior to founding FreshDirect in 2000, he trained as a cook under chefs like Bernard Loiseau in Burgundy and David Bouley in New York City.
“There are so many parallels between Baldor’s business and my background—the emphasis on tight relationships with growers, the focus on serving discerning customers, and the care for doing right by both sides. This feels like such a natural fit,” stated McInerney in a release.
Dr. Praeger’s Taps James D’Agosta as Chief Customer Officer
Veggie-forward frozen food maker Dr. Praeger’s has named James D’Agosta chief customer officer. He comes to the company with a diverse background in the CPG industry, most recently serving as CEO of Rite Stuff Foods.
D’Agosta also spent over a decade at Ventura Foods in senior executive positions, leading retail, foodservice and their international business.
“James brings an impressive track record of building businesses through strategic customer partnerships and strong teams. His diverse experience across multiple channels and categories will be a huge asset for the team at Dr. Praeger’s,” said Andy Reichgut, CEO, in a statement.
Heritage Grocers Promos
Hispanic grocery conglomerate Heritage Grocers announced the promotion to two group VPs this month, including Kim Cates, now group VP of Merchandising, and Allison Garcia, now group VP of Marketing. Both individuals will report to chairman and CEO Suzy Monford.
“Both Kim and Allie bring a wealth of knowledge, innovative thinking and a deep passion for our customers and communities,” Monford said. “Their leadership, vision, and excellence in execution are transforming our Cardenas, Los Altos, Tony’s and El Rancho banners and enabling us to compete in powerful ways.”
Both Cates and Garcia bring nearly two decades of respective experience to their new positions. Cates has worked for H-E-B as well as Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) while Garcia worked within a range of divisions at Kroger for nearly 16 years.
Boar’s Head Names Chief Safety Officer
Deli meat and cheese producer Boar’s Head has appointed Natalie Dyenson as chief food safety officer, effective May 12. The hire comes months after a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to the brand’s deli meats that resulted in 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations.
“Dyenson’s expertise and unwavering dedication to food safety perfectly align with our mission to provide consumers with premium, trustworthy products,” said Frank Carzo, chief human resources officer at Boar’s Head, in a press release. “We look forward to benefiting from [her] leadership as we further elevate our already stringent food safety protocols.
In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released records showing three Boar’s Head delit meat facilities were cited for unsanitary conditions dating back to 2019. Plants in New Castle, Ind., Forrest City, Ark., and Petersburg, Va., were cited for green mold and algae, “dripping condensation” landing on food and a “puddle of blood, debris and trash.”
In her new role, Dyenson will work closely with the Boar’s Head Food Safety Advisory Council on “continuous innovations and enhancements” to the company’s safety and quality processes. She brings nearly three decades of experience, previously serving as chief regulatory and food safety officer for the International Fresh Produce Association.
Steve Lykken Departs Hormel After 32 Years
Hormel Foods announced earlier this month that Steve Lykken, group VP of supply chain, will be departing the company to pursue an outside opportunity. Kevin Myers will take his place as interim group VP of supply chain.
“I am grateful for Steve’s contributions, dedication and leadership over the past 32 years and wish him all the best in his next chapter,” said Jim Snee, president and CEO of Hormel Foods, in a statement. “We are fortunate to have Kevin, a highly respected and proven leader with deep expertise, stepping into the role of interim group vice president of supply chain.”
Meyers joined Hormel Foods in 2001 as a research assistant before taking on roles of increasing responsibility. Under the interim structure, he will oversee all aspects of the company’s supply chain organization, including procurement, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, research and development, quality management and plant operations.
A permanent replacement for Lykken will be chosen by Hormel’s future CEO, once appointed, as Snee is retiring at the end of fiscal 2025.
Kroger Makes Several Retail Leadership Appointments
Following the termination of its proposed mega-merger with Albertsons, The Kroger Co. has appointed several experienced enterprise leaders to retail leadership roles.
The Cincinnati, Ohio-based retail chain has appointed Joe Kelley, president of the King Soopers and City Markets division, as SVP of Retail Divisions. Kelley will be succeeded by Chris Albi, who previously served as group VP of operations at King Soopers and City Markets.
Elsewhere, Kendra Doyel will lead the California- and Illinois-based Food 4 Less as president, succeeding Bryan Kaltenbach who is retiring after more than 50 years in the grocery industry. Doyel joined the Kroger enterprise in 1998 as a pharmacist in the Fry’s division and has held several leadership roles across all departments for Fry’s, Ralph’s and Food 4 Less.
SFA’s New SVP
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has appointed Mary Beth Vultee as its SVP of membership. Vultee will be the first person to serve in the newly created role where she will support the organization’s members. Vultee spent the past 13 years at Whole Foods Market where she helped launch its Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP) and, most recently, was executive leader of design. Before Whole Foods, Vultee was a professional chef and a sales manager at Chef’s Warehouse.
Newman’s Own Adds Board Members
Food maker Newman’s Own announced that John Frascotti is the company’s new executive chairman. Frascotti has a long history in CPG, getting his start at Reebok before moving on to serve in various c-suite roles at Hasbro for over 14 years. Most recently, he has served on the board of directors at Fabrizia Spirits LLC and is an operating advisor to Boston-based private equity firm Relentless Consumer Partners.
Newman’s Own also announced that Ellen Marram will serve as vice chair and lead independent director in a non-executive chair position. Additionally, Allan Tanenbaum was elected as the newest member of the board.
Other notable appointments from across the industry:
Non-profit organization Fairtrade International, which owns the Fairtrade sustainability trademark, has named Lisa Prassack CEO. The appointment follows the company’s implementation of a new “single leadership model.”
Tanya Bermand has joined T. Marzetti Company as president of its retail business, effective April 21. In her new role, Bermand will lead sales, marketing and innovation for the company’s portfolio of brands, including New York Bakery, Marzetti and Chatham Village.
Former chief production officer at Wonder, Sanjay Khetan, has joined Baked by Melissa as CFO. Khetan also previously served as CFO of PepsiCo’s eCommerce business unit.
Maine Crisp Company and Better With Buckwheat founder Karen Getz resigned from the company this month to pursue new personal and professional ventures.
Food tech venture capital investor Steve Molino has left his role as partner at Clear Current Capital to become principal investor at Synthesis Capital. Synthesis has previously invested in Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, Perfect Day and New Culture, among others.
