The Coca-Cola Company announced Jennifer Mann will step down as executive vice president and president of its North America operating unit effective Aug. 1. The leadership transition offers food and beverage professionals insight into executive changes at one of the industry's largest beverage companies and their potential impact on future strategy.
The US Plastics Pact has appointed Crystal Bayliss as executive director following her tenure as interim executive director. Bayliss will lead the organization as it continues working with stakeholders across the plastics packaging value chain to advance circular economy initiatives and address evolving sustainability and regulatory challenges.
The American Egg Board has appointed Cory Sexson as vice president of global business development. Sexson brings more than 17 years of leadership experience in food and beverage innovation and will oversee efforts to drive demand through innovation, strategic partnerships and export market expansion.
AAK USA has appointed Erhan Yildiz, Ph.D., as customer innovation director. Yildiz brings extensive R&D and commercialization experience and will lead efforts to develop sustainable, performance-driven fat and oil solutions across food, beverage, nutrition and personal care markets.
Kemin Industries has added two new members to its Food Technologies sales team in North America. Chad Mulcahy will support bakery customers with spoilage and quality solutions, while Kaylie Semler will focus on yield optimization and clean label opportunities across the Southwest region.
Ocean Spray Cranberries appointed Abigail Buckwalter as president and CEO, bringing in a leader with 20 years of global experience across consumer packaged goods and healthcare. Buckwalter joins the farmer-owned cooperative from Nestlé Health Science US, where she led a multi-billion-dollar portfolio and focused on operational efficiency, innovation and profitable growth.
Campbell’s is making leadership changes as chief enterprise transformation officer Dan Poland and chief communications officer Anthony Sanzio plan to retire at the end of the fiscal year. Melissa Nippert and Beth Jolly will assume the roles, supporting the company’s transformation initiatives, stakeholder engagement and long-term growth strategy.
Mars has appointed Kemal Cetin as global chief digital & information officer for its snacking business, effective Aug. 3. His experience in digital transformation and business agility is expected to support innovation, decision-making and the integration of Kellanova brands.
Butter Buds Inc. appointed Wade Sirny as director of foodservice, where he will oversee sales growth, broker partnerships and expansion into new foodservice segments. Sirny also will help launch In The Raw sweetener products in foodservice and collaborate on new product development initiatives.
Ajinomoto Foods North America appointed supply chain executive Dave Gardner as president and CEO, signaling continued focus on operational growth, innovation and global flavor trends. The leadership transition comes as demand for multicultural frozen foods continues to expand across retail and foodservice channels.