People Moves: Fody Foods Names Ex-Bulletproof 360 Exec as CEO

Fody Foods Appoints Former Bulletproof 360 Exec as CEO

After nearly a decade at the helm of IBS-focused food brand Fody Foods, founder Steven J. Singer is stepping down as CEO. Taking over the role is Andy van Ark, the former chief commercial officer of coffee producer Bulletproof 360.

Van Ark joins the company with over two decades of experience, including stints at Catalina Crunch, Red’s All Natural, and Mars Wrigley. His hiring will “help propel the company’s growth” and “[builds] on the momentum that Fody Foods has recently experienced,” according to a press release.

“I first met Andy a couple of years ago at a trade event and [his] initial insights around our brand and his ability to see both the opportunity and the challenges stuck with me as our team continued to grow the business,” said Singer in a statement. “When we made the decision to bring additional expertise to our leadership team, Andy was an obvious candidate.”

Founded in 2016 as a low-FODMAP sauce and condiment brand, Montreal-based Fody has evolved its marketing to meet a broader swathe of consumers seeking gut-friendly products. Today, its product portfolio includes snack bars, pasta sauces, salad dressings, oils, soups and seasonings.

In 2023, the brand secured “significant capital” to support its continued distribution growth in both natural and mass channels, including a partnership with Walmart. As of that year, the brand’s products are available in 10,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Loblaws.

“What excites me the most about this role is the huge opportunity that exists for the brand. With over 54 million Americans living with IBS, there is a true unmet need for consumers who are seeking healthy solutions,” said van Ark in the release.

Michael Axelrod Joins Snak King

Branded and private label salty snacks manufacturer Snak King has named Michael Axelrod as CEO. He succeeds Barry Levin, who led the company for four decades and will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.

Axelrod is a CPG industry vet with over 25 years of experience, previously holding executive positions at TreeHouse Foods, Whirlpool Corporation and Kraft Foods/Mondelez. Most recently, he served as CEO of Del Real Foods, where he oversaw revenue growth, national expansion and operational improvements.

“Mike has a demonstrated record of driving growth and leading organizations through important transitions. His combination of operational discipline, customer orientation and strategic vision makes him the right leader to guide Snak King into its next chapter,” said Bill Lovette, partner at Snak King investor Falfurrias Capital Partners, in a statement.

The Campbell Company Names New CFO

The Campbell Company has tapped Todd Cunfer as EVP and CFO, effective Oct. 20. In this new role, he will lead the company’s finance function, including controllership, corporate financial planning and analysis, corporate strategy and development, investor relations and financial systems.

Most recently, Cunfer served as CFO of Freshpet. Previously, he spent over two decades in senior finance roles at The Hershey Company, including VP of international finance, VP of global supply chain finance and VP of North America finance.

“With more than two decades of food industry experience, [Cunfer] brings the expertise and perspective we need at this moment. His proven ability to drive change and deliver superior financial results as a strong business partner will be a tremendous asset to our company,” said Mick Beekhuizen, CEO of The Campbell Company, in a statement.

Baldor Specialty Foods Appoints Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, CFO

Premium food distributor Baldor Specialty Foods has appointed Teepoo Riaz chief legal and administrative officer and Vladimiro Sinatti as CFO. The strategic hires follow the company’s acquisition of The Golden Meat Co. and the opening of additional cross-docking facilities.

Sinatti succeeds Eileen Manitsas, who is retiring after 21 years with the company, and brings with him over 30 years of experience. Previously, Sinatti served as Ferrero’s CFO for North America, where he oversaw financial operations across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

“I’m committed to continuously [evolving] Baldor for the benefit of our customers, suppliers and employees. Both [of] these executives share that commitment, and their breadth of leadership experiences in the food industry will support the changing needs of the company,” said TJ Murphy, CEO and owner of Baldor, in a press release.

Ex-Total Wine & More Exec Joins Flowers Foods as CFO

Anthony Scaglione, the former CFO of Total Wine & More, is joining Dave’s Killer Bread and Nature’s Own parent company Flowers Foods as CFO, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Scaglione will be tasked with guiding the company’s financial strategy and overseeing its treasury, investor relations, accounting, tax, internal audit, risk, procurement and information security functions.

“With extensive experience across a broad range of disciplines and a track record of successfully leading high-performing teams, Anthony brings strategic insight and operational rigor that will drive our next phase of growth,” said Ryals McMullian, CEO, in a press release.

Other people moves from across the industry:

• Kraft Heinz has appointed three new individuals to its board of directors: L. Kevin Cox, Mary Lou Kelley and Tony Palmer.

• Benjamin Noorani departed his role as head of retail sales at Sauz to join Zucker’s Bagels as sales manager, according to a LinkedIn post.
• Swander Pace Capital has named Greg Somerville CEO of its portfolio company Maple Donuts. Somerville brings 25 years of senior leadership experience in a broad range of consumer product categories, including stints at Savencia Cheese USA, Land O’ Lakes and Unilever.
• Erick Strickland, the former head of sales at Fly By Jing, has joined Big Tree Farms Inc. as VP of sales. According to the company, “with deep expertise across the natural and conventional landscape, he brings the perfect mix of strategic vision and roll-up-your-sleeves energy.”
• Welch’s appointed Andrew Hartshorn as chief brand and innovation officer, effective immediately. In this new role, Hartshorn will lead the company’s combined Brand Development and Product and Product, Pack and Process Innovation teams.