There have been 515 executive changes in the food industry during the first eight months of 2019—30% more than a year ago, according to Food Institute data.
Out of that number, 393 were male and 119 were female—a 51% increase from 2018. A total of 274 companies made c-suite changes in 2019, compared to 271 in 2018.
In the foodservice sector, there were 31 female appointments out of the total of 123 made, 55% more than 2018. Global Franchise Group LLC, Jenn Johnston was appointed chief brand officer/ president, franchise operations; and Allison Lauenstein was named chief innovation officer, innovation center.
At Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. there were two female appointments: Pattye Moore as Interim CEO and Lynn Schweinfurth as EVP/CFO, while at Domino’s Pizza, Inc. Lisa Price was named EVP. Blue Apron Holdings Inc. named Linda Findley Kozlowski President and CEO.
Kozlowski is a highly accomplished e-commerce and consumer-focused executive with 25 years of experience across product, sales, marketing, business development and operations. Most recently, she served as COO of Etsy, with responsibility for product, marketing and customer engagement and acquisition.
“Over the past year, the company has made significant product, platform and operational advancements, and now has the right foundation for growth. I look forward to working closely with the team to focus on the best opportunities to attract and engage consumers and drive the business to new levels of performance,” said Kozlowski.
In retail, there were 34 female appointments, some of which include The Kroger Co. naming Liz Ferneding VP of retail operations and Dana Zurcher president; Columbus division. Additionally, Ahold Delhaize named Marit van Egmond brand president/ CEO; Albert Heijn.
Meanwhile, Target Corp. named Kelly Caruso as CEO of Shipt which was acquired by Target in 2017 and operates as an independent subsidiary. “[Caruso] will help Shipt continue bringing same-day convenience to more consumers through its growing marketplace of retail partners,” said John Mulligan, Shipt director and Target’s chief operating officer.
Spartannash Co. named Lori Raya chief merchandising/marketing officer and Racetrac Petroleum, Inc. named Melanie Isbill CMO and Natalie Morhous as president.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. named two female executive: Annie Murphy as global chief commercial officer and Heather Dixon global controller/chief accounting officer.
In manufacturing, Pepsico, Inc. named Paula Santilli CEO of the Latin America business. She previously served as COO of all business units of Pepsico Mexico Foods, providing leadership for sales, marketing and operations.
“Paula brings a deep understanding of our business, the marketplace and our consumers in Latin America, and commercial expertise across both the food and beverage categories,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta. “She has a proven track record of delivering results, while advancing diversity and inclusion.”
The Coca-Cola Co. named Lisa Chang chief people officer, while Keurig Dr Pepper named Mary Beth DeNooyer CHRO.
Tyson Foods, Inc. named Noell O’Mara CMO, Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC named Amanda Lopez e-commerce sales/marketing manager and Nestle SA named Leanne Geale EVP/general counsel.
General Mills named Dana McNabb group president; Europe/Australia segment and Bethany Quam group president; pet segment America and Lancaster Colony Corp. named Kristin Bird president; T Marzetti company foodservice division.
Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. named Caroline Le Roch president of Americas. “She has extensive experience in building and leading high-performing teams across channels and geographies, which will be invaluable to us as we grow our business fivefold over the next six years,” said Godiva CEO Annie Young-Scrivner of Le Roch.
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