TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 1, 2019--
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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190401005221/en/
Source: SunOpta Inc.
Scott Van Winkle
ICR
617-956-6736
scott.vanwinkle@icrinc.com