Hanover-based Utz Brands, a manufacturer of a diverse portfolio of snack foods, recently named Howard Friedman as the next company CEO, effective Dec. 15.
He also will serve as a member of the Utz Board.
Friedman is the executive vice president and chief operations officer of Post Holdings. He previously served as president and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, the company’s flagship cereal business. He held multiple roles with The Kraft Heinz Co., including executive vice president and president of Refrigerated Meat and Dairy.
“I am honored to join Utz as CEO at this important time, and I see enormous potential to continue Utz’s exciting journey,” Friedman said. “I am confident that, with such a values-driven, passionate organization, and a portfolio of iconic snacks beloved by families across the U.S., Utz is just getting started.”
Current Utz CEO Dylan Lissette will become executive chairman of the board. During the second quarter of 2023, he will transition to the role of nonexecutive chairman of the board.
Lissette joined Utz in 1995 and has been CEO since 2013. Sales growth has nearly tripled since 2013, reaching more than $1.3 billion, and the company has completed six acquisitions and become a public company.
Current Chairman of the Board Roger Deromedi will become the lead independent director.
The change in leadership is part of the Utz and Collier Creek Holdings’ merger.