TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a leading global
company focused on organic, non-genetically modified and specialty
foods, today announced that Gregg Tanner has been appointed to SunOpta's
Board of Directors. Concurrent with Mr. Tanner's appointment,
independent director Jay Amato stepped down as a director, effective
immediately.
Mr. Tanner served as Director and CEO of Dean Foods from 2012 to 2016
and helped it become one of the most successful companies in the food
industry. With an extensive background in supply chain management, Mr.
Tanner will provide the Board of Directors with invaluable experience
and insights as the Company implements its value creation strategy built
on four pillars: portfolio optimization, operational excellence,
go-to-market effectiveness and process sustainability.
"Gregg possesses a deep understanding of the food industry and we are
delighted to welcome him to SunOpta's Board of Directors," said Dean
Hollis, Chairman of SunOpta. "Gregg's experience in overseeing value
creation initiatives and unique record in supply chain management will
be invaluable to SunOpta as we work to meet our strategic goals."
"I have tremendous respect for SunOpta and believe the Company has a
very bright future," said Mr. Tanner. "I look forward to contributing to
the Company's value creation initiatives and helping SunOpta achieve its
full potential."
Added Mr. Hollis, "We would also like to thank Jay for his contributions
to the company as a long-standing independent director and as prior
Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee. Since his appointment in
2008, the Company has benefited from his experience and insights. We
wish him well in all future endeavors."
About Gregg Tanner
Gregg Tanner served as Chief Executive Officer and Director for Dean
Foods Company (NYSE: DF) from October 2012 to December 2016. As the
Company's Chief Executive Officer, and with his experience in supply
chain management, Mr. Tanner provided the Board with invaluable insight
regarding the Company's operations and businesses.
Prior to serving as CEO, Mr. Tanner served as the Company's Chief Supply
Chain Officer and President of the Company's Fresh Dairy Direct
division, where he was responsible for all sales, marketing,
manufacturing and distribution functions for Dean Foods' largest
business unit and for supply chain operations for Dean Foods as a whole.
Mr. Tanner joined Dean Foods in 2007.
Prior to joining Dean Foods, Mr. Tanner was Senior Vice President,
Global Operations with The Hershey Company. Before joining Hershey, Mr.
Tanner was Senior Vice President, Retail Supply Chain at ConAgra Foods,
Inc. where he directed the entire supply chain for retail products.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Tanner held positions at Quaker Oats Company
and Ralston Purina Company.
Since 2007, Mr. Tanner has served on the Board of Directors of The
Boston Beer Company, Inc., where he is the Chair of the Audit Committee.
He serves as Chair of the Milk Industry Foundation, as Vice Chair of the
Board of Directors of the International Dairy Foods Association, and as
a member of the Board of Directors of the Grocery Manufacturers
Association. He is a graduate of Kansas State University.
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic,
non-genetically modified ("non-GMO") and specialty foods. The Company
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. The
Company'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.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170123005059/en/
For SunOpta Inc.
Gagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier,
646-569-5897
dg@gagnierfc.com
or
ICR
Scott
Van Winkle, 617-956-6736
Scott.VanWinkle@icrinc.com
Source: SunOpta Inc.
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