In this role, McGuinness will oversee operations across Bel North America's offices in New York City, Chicago and Montreal, as well as five Bel manufacturing plants across the US and Canada. He will lead teams across the region to take Bel's portfolio of seven brands and over 200 product varieties to the next level, with responsibility for accelerating growth, advancing M&A and breakthrough innovation, strengthening the company's local footprint, and building a more sustainable and performance-focused food business. 

"North America, and particularly the United States, is a cornerstone of Bel's future," Cécile Béliot, CEO, Bel Group, said in a statement. "Peter is a transformational, values-driven leader whose track record aligns perfectly with Bel's 'two-leg' model – where profitability and sustainability are equally important. His appointment reflects our confidence in the strength of Bel North America, our Purpose*Full Snacking ambition, and our belief that performance and responsibility go hand in hand."

McGuinness brings a unique combination of consumer brand leadership, operations and manufacturing expertise, and proven cultural and strategic impact across purpose-driven food companies. Most recently, he served as president and chief executive officer of Impossible Foods, leading the company to expanded distribution and market share growth through product innovation and demand creation. Prior to Impossible, he was president and chief operating officer at Chobani, where he helped scale the business into a diversified and category-leading lifestyle brand.

McGuinness joins Bel at a time when the company is reshaping the role of snacking in people's diets through its Purpose*Full Snacking strategy. The strategy is aimed at helping address the nutrition gap in the US, where most Americans snack daily, but studies show 80% are not eating enough fruits, veggies, and dairy to meet nutritional standards.

Bel has deep roots in the United States, focused on portion-sized fruit, veggie and cheese snacks. The company is expanding capacity at its Little Chute, Wis., and Brookings, S.D., facilities to meet accelerating demand. With more than 30 years of experience building purpose-driven brands, scaling manufacturing and strengthening supply chains, McGuinness is well positioned to unleash Bel's full potential for growth and impact – for all, for good.