TreeHouse Foods Names Scott Ostfeld to Board of Directors
OAK BROOK, Ill.— TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (“TreeHouse Foods” or the “Company”) (NYSE: THS) today announced the appointment of Scott Ostfeld, Partner of JANA Partners LLC and Co-Portfolio Manager of its engaged investing strategy JANA Strategic Investments, to the TreeHouse Foods Board of Directors. The appointment is in connection with an agreement with JANA Partners LLC (“JANA”), which owns approximately 9.2% of TreeHouse Foods’ outstanding common stock.
“The TreeHouse Board and JANA share a common appreciation regarding the opportunity for TreeHouse Foods, and we are united behind the shared goal of enhancing value for our stockholders and other stakeholders,” said Ann M. Sardini, Chair of the Board. “As a shareholder, Scott understands our company and our industry well. His appointment to the Board follows continued, constructive engagement with JANA and reflects our commitment to pursuing the best path towards maximum value creation.”
Mr. Ostfeld commented, “TreeHouse Foods is an incredibly attractive company well-positioned to benefit from favorable secular tailwinds and with multiple avenues to unlock and drive shareholder value. I am appreciative of the Board’s continued engagement, and I am excited to work alongside Steve and all of the other TreeHouse Foods directors to enhance value for all stockholders.”
Steve Oakland, Chief Executive Officer and President, said, “Over the past several years, TreeHouse Foods has made meaningful progress against our strategic goals to support our customers, simplify our structure and enhance our supply chain as we capitalize on the strong, long-term demand for private-label food and TreeHouse Foods products. I welcome Scott to the Board and look forward to working with all of our directors as we continue to drive value for our customers and deliver improved results.”
Mr. Ostfeld will join the Board as a Class III director, with a term expiring at the TreeHouse Foods 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Following his appointment, the TreeHouse Foods Board will be comprised of eleven directors.
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Ostfeld to the Board, TreeHouse Foods and JANA Partners have entered into an appointment agreement. A copy of the agreement will be included as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Scott Ostfeld
Mr. Ostfeld was previously a member of the Board of Directors of Conagra Brands, HD Supply Holdings and Team Health Holdings. Mr. Ostfeld has more than 17 years of experience investing in companies and driving shareholder value. He is a Partner of JANA Partners LLC and Co-Portfolio Manager of JANA Strategic Investments, a strategy specializing in enhancing shareholder value through active engagement. Prior to joining JANA Partners in 2006, Mr. Ostfeld was at GSC Partners, where he served in their distressed debt private equity group and focused on acquiring companies through the restructuring process and enhancing value as an equity owner. Mr. Ostfeld was previously an investment banker at Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, where he worked on M&A and capital raising. He serves as a member of the advisory board of Columbia University’s Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy. Mr. Ostfeld holds a B.A. from Columbia University, a J.D. from Columbia Law School and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
About TreeHouse Foods
TreeHouse Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of private label foods and beverages in North America. We operate in 29 product categories across two divisions and have approximately 40 production facilities across North America and Italy. Across our diverse portfolio, we have a private label leadership position in many categories and offer a range of better-for-you and nutritional solutions, such as items considered to be organic, or gluten-free, across nearly every category. Our purpose is to make high-quality food and beverages affordable to all. Our mission is to create value as our customers’ preferred manufacturing and distribution partner, providing thought leadership, superior innovation, and a relentless focus on execution.
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