September 27/Idaho Falls, Idaho/Marketwire -- Idahoan Foods LLC, a producer of packaged mashed potato and potato casseroles in the U.S., announced the promotion of Drew Facer to president & chief operating officer September 10.

Facer's promotion is a first step in the succession plan being led by current CEO Gordon Lewis who has advised the Idahoan Foods' board of governors that he will be retiring in September 2013. The board has promoted Facer to the position of president & COO and acknowledged his succession to the position of president & CEO, upon Lewis' retirement, in October 2013.

"Selecting Drew to succeed me is not just a recognition of his continued success in making Idahoan packaged potato products the market leader in its category, but also an acknowledgement of his leadership and dedication to the success of the whole corporation," said Lewis. "Facer has a proven track record of product and marketplace performance that will assure Idahoan Foods continues to be the leader in this industry."

Facer joined Idahoan Foods in January of 1998 as director of Foodservice Marketing. He has led the strategic growth and development of the Idahoan Foods Retail and Club business. During his tenure Idahoan packaged potato products have taken a leading role in the retail food segment. In 2010, Facer was promoted to executive vice president, Retail.

"I look forward to our continued innovation and success as a global consumer package goods company. It is our obligation to provide our retail consumers and food service establishments the clean, fresh taste and consistent quality of Idahoan brand products," said Facer. "It has truly been an honor to learn from Gordon and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to further serve our customers and lead our extraordinary group of employees who are the heart and soul of Idahoan Foods."

Facer is a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in marketing and social behavior and has completed post-graduate studies at the Kellogg School of Management.