October 7/Boulder, Col./Press Release -- James B. Leighton has been named chief operating officer of Boulder Brands Inc., effective immediately. Leighton will oversee operations, including internal and external manufacturing, research and development and food service across the company and will continue to serve on Boulder Brands’ board of directors as an employee director.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jim Leighton as our new chief operating officer and key member to our leadership team,” said Steve Hughes, chairman and chief executive officer. “Jim has been an important and valued member of our board, and has greatly assisted developing our company’s strategy and vision. He is also a terrific person who shares my passion that team and culture are the cornerstones of a best in class organization.

“As Boulder Brands continues to grow and focus on innovation, I have recognized the need to increase our depth of expertise in operations, international and manufacturing resources.  Jim’s wide-ranging background in management and financial P&L responsibilities, across a broad range of businesses, channels and geographies will ensure greater operational efficiencies across the organization.  I will continue to focus on driving consumer and customer demand and Jim will focus on developing, building and optimizing our team, systems, processes, and partners to fulfill demand. I look forward to partnering with Jim as we work together to scale our gluten-free business and add future growth platforms.”

Leighton has more than 35 years of operations, general management and manufacturing experience within foodservice, retail and international channels and has been a key contributor to Boulder Brands’ board of directors since August 2007. Most recently he was president of Perdue Foods, a privately-held food and protein company. He also was senior vice-president of operations and supply chain. Earlier, he was senior vice-president of operations of ConAgra Foods, Inc., and has also held senior level management, operations and executive positions with Celestial Seasonings, The Hain-Celestial Group and Nabisco.

Leighton received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and industrial relations from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in business administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.