DENVER — The WhiteWave Foods Company (NYSE:WWAV) (“WhiteWave”) announced that Kevin C. Yost will join WhiteWave’s newly acquired Earthbound Farm business as President, effective immediately. Charlie Sweat, previously CEO of Earthbound Farm, will move into an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition. The rest of the Earthbound Farm management team will continue to serve in their current roles.
With the January 2 completion of the Earthbound Farm acquisition, WhiteWave Foods will offer products across the most popular gateways for consumers to enter into the organic category – produce with Earthbound Farm and dairy with its established Horizon Organic brand.As president of a leading organic brand, Yost will have full operational responsibility for the Earthbound Farm business. He will report to Gregg Engles, CEO and Chairman at The WhiteWave Foods Company, and serve on the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
Yost most recently worked with Saputo, Inc., a global CPG company in branded and private label foods and beverages. He brings more than 22 years of CPG and food industry experience driving shareholder value at leading, multi-billion dollar companies, including Dean Foods’ Morningstar division, ConAgra Foods and Swift and Company.
Throughout his career, Yost has had a strong track record growing categories and building sales, along with deep experience managing multiple production sites and leading global sales, marketing and supply chain organizations.
“We are excited to have Kevin grow and lead the Earthbound Farm business and the company’s talent,” said Engles. “His deep experience leading companies through change, improving operations, leading product development, driving above-market revenue and earnings growth, and building winning cultures makes him the perfect leader for Earthbound Farm. We look forward to his contributions to build on the company’s success as we work together to change the way the world eats for the better.”
Sweat is leaving the role of Earthbound Farm CEO after 15½ successful years at Earthbound Farm to pursue a variety of professional and personal ventures, including joining the board of directors of the non-profit Global Green USA. Under his leadership, Earthbound Farm’s U.S. organic salad market share rose to 50% while the company’s organic sales grew from $10 million to more than $500 million.
“Charlie is a passionate leader who helped grow Earthbound Farm into a major player and influencer in the organic food industry and therefore a very attractive business to WhiteWave,” said Engles. “We look forward to benefiting from Charlie’s expertise during the transition in an advisory role, appreciate all that he has done to make the company a success, and wish him the same success as he takes on these new ventures.”
ABOUT THE WHITEWAVE FOODS COMPANY
The WhiteWave Foods Company is a leading consumer packaged food and beverage company that manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells branded plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, premium dairy products and organic produce throughout North America and Europe. The Company is focused on providing consumers with innovative, great-tasting food and beverage choices that meet their increasing desires for nutritious, flavorful, convenient, and responsibly-produced products. The Company’s widely-recognized, leading brands distributed in North America include Silk® plant-based foods and beverages, International Delight® and LAND O LAKES® coffee creamers and beverages, Horizon Organic® premium dairy products and Earthbound Farm® certified organic salads, fruits and vegetables. Its popular European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro® and Provamel®.
To learn more about WhiteWave, visit www.whitewave.com; and for more information about Earthbound Farm, visit www.ebfarm.com.
*The LAND O LAKES brand is owned by Land O’Lakes, Inc. and is used by license.
Source: The WhiteWave Foods Company