SunOpta Inc. Appoints Joseph D. Ennen as Chief Executive Officer
April 01 2019 - 6:30AM
Business Wire
SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a leading
global company focused on organic, non-genetically modified and
specialty foods, today announced the appointment of Joseph D. Ennen
as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2019. Interim CEO
Katrina L. Houde will continue her position on SunOpta’s Board of
Directors, a position she has held since 2000, and will work
closely with Mr. Ennen to ensure a seamless transition. In
conjunction with this appointment, Mr. Ennen will also become a
member of the SunOpta Board of Directors.
Mr. Ennen brings more than 30 years of extensive food and
beverage experience, holding senior management positions at leading
companies, including Columbus Manufacturing, Safeway, Pepsico/Frito
Lay, ConAgra Foods, Kellogg’s and General Mills. Throughout his
career, Mr. Ennen has consistently demonstrated a successful record
of delivering top and bottom-line results, by building high
performing teams, leading change through his relentless focus on
execution and his ability to achieve strategic, operational and
financial objectives, while fostering positive relationships and
confidence with all stakeholders. Mr. Ennen was most recently at
Columbus Manufacturing, where he served as President, CEO from
early 2015 until its sale to Hormel Foods in December 2017. During
his three years at Columbus Manufacturing, Mr. Ennen grew revenue
35%, EBITDA 60%, improved gross margins 500 bps and generated 38%
of sales from new and renovated items. Mr. Ennen led the company
through a successful sale process to Hormel Foods, receiving an
award for the middle market deal of the year in 2018. Prior to his
role at Columbus Manufacturing, Mr. Ennen was Senior Vice President
and General Manager of Own Brands for Safeway, where he led the $7
billion Own Brands group. Under his leadership, Mr. Ennen
restructured the business model, rebuilt underperforming categories
and launched over 900 new products annually. Mr. Ennen has a rich
history of attacking cost structures, commercializing innovation
and leading high performing teams to deliver consistent
results.
Dean Hollis, Chairman of SunOpta, said, “We are pleased to
announce the hiring of an extraordinarily talented, passionate and
driven leader. Joe has a proven history of delivering results and a
strong sense of urgency. We are confident Joe is the right person
to continue our Value Creation Plan and lead the company to future
growth. Joe’s track record of attacking costs, improving margins,
driving growth and commercializing a robust innovation agenda makes
him the ideal leader for SunOpta.”
Mr. Hollis continued, “On behalf of the Board, I would also like
to thank Kathy Houde for her role as interim CEO during this
transition period. We look forward to continuing to benefit from
Kathy’s experience as an ongoing member of the Board of
Directors.”
“I am honored to have been selected as the new CEO of SunOpta
and look forward to partnering with the Board and the entire
SunOpta team to deliver sustainable, long-term growth,” said Mr.
Ennen. “Over the last several years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the
challenge of implementing high growth business plans and leveraging
strategic board, investor and advisory relationships. I am
committed to continuing the Value Creation Plan and confident that
with our portfolio of on trend organic, non-GMO ingredients and
products we can build a prosperous future for SunOpta and all of
its stakeholders.”
Joseph D. Ennen Biography
Joseph D. Ennen served as President, CEO of Columbus
Manufacturing, a food processing company specializing in artisanal
salami and other prepared delicatessen meats, from early 2015 until
its successful sale to Hormel Foods in December 2017. Before
joining Columbus Manufacturing, Mr. Ennen was Senior Vice President
and General Manager of Own Brands at Safeway, Inc., a leading
supermarket chain, from 2009-2015. Prior to Safeway, Mr. Ennen
spent four years as an executive at Pepsico/Frito Lay Division,
including Group Vice President, Innovation and Vice President
Marketing, Core Brands. Previously, Mr. Ennen held various
leadership roles and general management, marketing and finance
positions with ConAgra Foods, Kellogg’s Company and General Mills.
Mr. Ennen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a
Bachelor of Science degree in business (Finance and Marketing
majors) and an MBA (with concentrations in Marketing and Corporate
Strategy) from the University of Michigan.
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic,
non-genetically modified ("non-GMO") and specialty foods. SunOpta
specializes in the sourcing, processing and packaging of organic
and non-GMO food products, integrated from seed through packaged
products; with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business
models. SunOpta's organic and non-GMO food operations revolve
around value-added grain, seed, fruit and vegetable-based product
offerings, supported by a global sourcing and supply
infrastructure.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190401005221/en/
Scott Van WinkleICR617-956-6736scott.vanwinkle@icrinc.com
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