Checkout who is moving onwards and upwards in FoodNavigator-USA's latest new hires gallery, featuring Hain Celestial, Kraft Heinz, Hershey, Kellogg, Sabra, Flowers Foods and more...
Bernardo Hees will step down as CEO at Kraft Heinz on June 30, and will be succeeded by AB InBev exec Miguel Patricio. The change was “perhaps not a surprise in light of Kraft Heinz's recent performance,” said analysts at Bernstein.
“The company reported very weak profit results for Q4, 2018 and provided disappointing guidance for Q1 2019. In addition, Kraft Heinz announced a 36% dividend cut, a $15.4bn write-down of goodwill, and an SEC investigation into its procurement process, which has delayed the filing of its full year 2018 10K to date. This set of disappointing results dampened management's credibility with investors and might have prompted the Board to initiate the CEO change.
“By appointing Mr. Patricio as the new CEO, it appears that Kraft Heinz is doubling down on its efforts to reinvigorate the top line. Mr. Patricio had a track record of accelerating organic sales growth at AB InBev while serving as the CMO. His prior experience as the President of Asia Pacific of AB InBev might also enable him to explore more growth opportunities in emerging markets at Kraft Heinz.”
Steve Voskuil (pictured), formerly CFO at medical device co Avanos Medical, has joined Hershey as SVP and CFO, succeeding Patricia Little, who is retiring.
Separately, Rohit Grover, currently VP and general manager, Greater China, has been promoted to President, International, effective June 1.
Amit Banati, currently president of Kellogg AMEA, will replace Fareed Khan as chief financial officer on July 1.
Organic and natural products giant Hain Celestial has appointed CPG veteran Kevin McGahren as President, North America. McGahren was most recently CEO of Dancing Deer Baking Company and has held senior roles at firms including American Beverage Corporation and Kraft Foods.
The company has also appointed former Treehouse Foods exec Seth Weis as SVP of business development, reporting to CEO Officer Mark Schiller. Weis will focus on simplifying the portfolio and reinvigorating net sales growth in the US.
He replaces Denise Faltischek, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities on August 31, 2019.
Baker Flowers Foods has appointed Bradley K. Alexander, president of its fresh packaged bread business unit, as chief operating officer. He has been replaced by H. Mark Courtney, SVP of retail accounts.
The company also announced that Stephen R. Avera, chief legal counsel, will retire at the end of the year after 33 years of service. He will be succeeded by Stephanie B. Tillman – currently vice president, chief compliance officer, and deputy general counsel - on January 1, 2020.
Jason Levine - who was formerly North America CMO at Mondelēz International - has joined the nation’s leading hummus brand Sabra as chief marketing officer (CMO). Read our recent interview with Levine.
Austin Allan - founder of drinkable soup brand Tio Gazpacho, which was acquired by Novamex in December - has been named director of marketing at produce company Ark Foods, which sells heirloom vegetables and a vegan heat-and-eat meal range.
Brazi Bites, which makes bite-sized versions of beloved Latin American foods, has hired Glenn Smith as SVP of sales. Smith previously held positions as a senior buyer at Target and sales director at Nestlé.
Hydroponic produce grower BrightFarms has named produce industry veteran Brian Jenny as its new VP of sales. Jenny, who has held senior roles at CC Kitchens, Naturipe Farms, and Monterey Mushrooms, served as a fellow in the United Fresh Produce Industry leadership program.
Gary Ricco – president and CEO of Mount Franklin Foods, a manufacturer of branded, contract and private label confectionery, snack and foodservice products – will retire June 30, with both internal and external candidates currently being entertained as a replacement, says the company.
SPRiZZi Drink Co - which makes home and office cold beverage systems - has hired former Coca Cola Enterprises execs Tim Goff as president and Bob Relf as COO as the company gears up for its US launch this summer.
