CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welch’s, a family-farmer owned cooperative and the leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, announces the appointment of Chris Neugent, President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, to its Board of Directors. A division of Post Holdings, Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the value segment of ready-to-eat cereal, with a portfolio including Honey Bunches of Oats®, Grape-Nuts®, Honeycomb® and Malt-O-Meal® hot wheat cereal. Bringing nearly 30 years of consumer products experience, Neugent will use his expertise in growing sales, profit and market share to help Welch’s achieve its goals.
“Chris knows how to motivate organizations to deliver quality products and profitable growth,” said Joseph Falcone, Chairman of the Welch’s Board, and President of National Grape Cooperative Inc. “We’re thrilled to gain his industry expertise and insights to help us maximize value for our family-farmer owners.”
Neugent was appointed President and CEO last year when Post Holdings consolidated MOM Brands and Post Foods. Previously, as Chairman and CEO of MOM Brands, Neugent delivered innovation that enhanced the company’s reputation for high quality, great tasting products at affordable prices. With Neugent’s support and leadership, MOM Brands expanded to become America’s fastest-growing cereal brand over the past 10 years.
Before joining Malt-O-Meal, Neugent was Vice President of Marketing, Wholesome Snacking Business Unit, at Pepsi’s Frito-Lay division. During 12 years with Frito-Lay, Neugent progressed through several sales and marketing roles, where he managed brands including Doritos, optimized profitability, led innovation and reinvigorated the “Baked Line” of products.
“Welch’s is a powerful brand recognized for quality, goodness and exceptional taste,” says Neugent. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to join the organization and help promote a profitable future for the business.”
Neugent received an A.B. degree in Economics from Princeton.
Welch’s partnered with Barton Executive Search of Atlanta, GA, to fill this position.
About Welch’s
Welch’s is the processing and marketing
subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and
in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative’s approximately 1,000 family farmers
own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord
grapes used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s is
committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand
for products that address consumers’ health and nutrition needs. Welch’s
products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40
countries around the globe. Welch’s is an Equal Opportunity
Employer-Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans. www.welchs.com
About Barton Executive Search
BES is a boutique search firm
dedicated to developing long-term partnerships with clients and
candidates. The company specializes in delivering in-demand executive
talent to their broad array of consumer-related clients. www.bartonexec.com
