HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ) (“Utz” or the “Company”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, today announced that Mitchell (“Mitch”) Arends has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer and Cary Devore has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer. These appointments, which will be effective November 27, 2023, will enhance the Company’s execution of both short- and long-term objectives, including supply chain optimization and integrated business planning.
“I believe that these appointments will significantly strengthen the Company’s ability to deliver our strategic priorities, unlock further potential and help drive our short- and long-term growth objectives,” said Howard Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Utz.
As Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, Mr. Arends will oversee all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and planning. He will accelerate Utz’s efforts to optimize its supply chain network and capabilities, leveraging the significant progress the Company has made over the last two years in scaling its productivity program, improving its service levels, and implementing improved processes and capabilities. Utz will provide more detail on its supply chain optimization initiatives, and introduce Mr. Arends, at its Investor Day in New York City on December 15, 2023. Mr. Arends will report to Howard Friedman, Utz’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Mitch’s experience and track record in integrated supply chain leadership make him an excellent fit for Utz, especially as we continue our journey to further optimize our supply chain network. He will work closely with our talented existing manufacturing and supply chain leadership team in Shannan Redcay, EVP, Manufacturing, and Chad Whyte, EVP, Supply Chain. Given the significant opportunity ahead of us, Mitch’s leadership and expertise will enhance our ability to execute with excellence at speed,” said Howard Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Utz.
As Chief Operating and Transformation Officer, Mr. Devore will oversee the execution of the Company’s strategic plan priorities, large-scale transformation initiatives, and scaling key enabling capabilities across the Company. An experienced executive with more than seven years at Utz, he is uniquely positioned to lead the Company’s transformation activities given the complexity and long-term impact to the organization. Given the scope of the Company’s strategic plan, it is important to have someone of Mr. Devore’s experience, knowledge of the Company, and ability to ensure flawless execution.
“Cary is a proven performer and his contributions have been instrumental over the past seven years, including in the Company’s transition from a smaller private to a larger publicly traded company,” Mr. Friedman said. “I am extremely pleased he has accepted this significant role leading our major strategic plan initiatives. Cary’s breadth of knowledge about our company, diversity of experience, and acumen make him the perfect partner to deliver this work stream and elevate total company performance.”
About Mitchell Arends
Mr. Arends comes to Utz with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of supply chain, most recently as Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America Operations at Kraft Heinz. At Kraft Heinz, Mr. Arends had end-to-end accountability for a $22 billion supply chain with direct P&L responsibility. Under his leadership, Kraft Heinz transformed into one of the top 25 CPG supply chains as recognized by Gartner. Prior to Kraft Heinz, where Mr. Arends held various roles from 2010 - 2023, Mr. Arends served in procurement and operations roles at Nestle & Gerber, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, and Deere & Company.
Mr. Arends holds a B.A. in Supply Chain Management / Operations Management from Michigan State University, as well as an M.B.A. from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management.
About Cary Devore
Mr. Devore joined Utz in November 2016 and has served in a variety of senior leadership roles. He became EVP, Chief Financial Officer in 2019 before transitioning to his current position of EVP, Chief Operating Officer in 2021. Prior to Utz, Mr. Devore held various roles in the private equity sector.
Mr. Devore graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, and received his MBA from the University of Michigan with High Honors.
About Utz Brands, Inc.
Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ) manufactures a diverse portfolio of savory snacks through popular brands including Utz®, On The Border® Chips & Dips, Golden Flake®, Zapp’s®, Good Health®, Boulder Canyon®, Hawaiian Brand®, and TORTIYAHS!®, among others.
After a century with strong family heritage, Utz continues to have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from top-quality ingredients. Utz’s products are distributed nationally through grocery, mass merchandisers, club, convenience, drug, and other channels. Based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Utz has multiple manufacturing facilities located across the U.S. to serve our growing customer base. For more information, please visit www.utzsnacks.com or call 1‐800‐FOR‐SNAX.
Investors and others should note that Utz announces material financial information to its investors using its investor relations website (https://investors.utzsnacks.com/investors/default.aspx), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) filings, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. Utz uses these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our stockholders and the public about the Company, the Company’s products, and other Company information. It is possible that the information that Utz posts on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, Utz encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information posted on the social media channels listed on Utz’s investor relations website.
