BUFFALO, N.Y. (Jan. 1, 2022) – Following the recent introduction of executive-level changes within the 77-year-old global, family-owned food company, Rich Products recently announced its next wave of organizational changes to align with the company’s overall path for the future, further setting the stage for transformational change in 2022 and supporting the company’s growth trajectory.
“The future is bright as we transform our business to meet the changing needs of our customers and our organization,” said Rich’s President and CEO, Richard Ferranti. “I have full confidence that we’ll build upon our 76-year-old roots, embracing change and emerging stronger for it, as we take Rich’s to even greater heights.”
Rich’s recognizes the need to stay ahead of the curve and exceed customer and consumer demands, while rapidly adapting to, and investing in technology to further its digital business transformation—requiring strong, forward-thinking leaders. “Through the following key shifts and moves across our U.S.-Canada business, we will continue to create and deliver value to our customers while offering opportunities for our people to stretch, grow and develop,” said Kevin Spratt, incoming President of Rich’s U.S. Canada region.
Notable shifts include:
- Donna Reeves-Collins has been promoted to senior vice president, taking on leadership of its desserts business, in addition to overseeing Rich’s pizza category business unit. A 14-year Rich’s veteran, Donna has played a major role in the growth and innovation of Rich’s pizza business.
- Harnessing her experience in R&D and innovation, Vice President Kara Burke will shift responsibility to lead Rich’s Toppings Creams and Culinary Solutions Category Business Unit. In her new role, Kara will oversee the growth and evolution of this key category, while maintaining accountability for core and leading-edge technology solutions.
- Maria Knoebel will shift her focus to Rich’s growing plant-based portfolio, including plant-based cheese and leading the execution of the organization’s Greenworks initiative.
- Peter Melnyk has been named the next leader of Rich’s Canada business, succeeding Aldo Belvedere, who will retire later in 2022 after a nearly 25-year career with Rich’s. Melnyk joined Rich’s following a 17-year tenure at Kraft and has been an instrumental leader within the Canada business, developing strong customer relationships and driving business results.
- Vice President of Strategy and Customer Marketing, Marie Claude (M-C) Laprade’s role has expanded to oversee all of the company’s customer marketing efforts across foodservice, in-store bakery & deli, and its f’real branded business. As product, brand, segment, customer and digital continue to intersect in today’s omni-channel world, Laprade’s new scope presents opportunity to deliver greater customer value and internal collaboration.
- Matt Wilson has been promoted to vice president of sales, c-store and culinary, and David Roth has been promoted to vice president of sales, national and regional accounts. Both Wilson and Roth have been instrumental in driving chain growth over the years and have assumed expanded roles to oversee f’real sales.
- Matt Jones has been promoted to vice president, finance and corporate business development. Having served in a series of finance roles over the course of 19 years with Rich’s, Jones is expanding on his current responsibilities by providing global leadership of financial accounting and reporting, leading corporate business development and overseeing corporate planning.
- Sue Klock has been promoted to corporate controller. A 30-year veteran of Rich’s, Klock has honed her business and financial acumen through a series of important finance-related roles within the company. In the position of corporate comptroller, Klock leads the corporate accounting, reporting and cost accounting functions.
- Wendy Barth, senior vice president for marketing within global markets has taken on an expanded role in strategic planning and governance. To evolve and strengthen the way Rich’s leaders execute and govern against set strategic plans.
All changes were effective January 1, 2022.
MEET RICH’S.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Learn more at Richs.com or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
