The Schwan Food Co. has named former Nestle executive Dimitrios Smyrnios as its CEO, succeeding Gregory Flack whose previously announced resignation became effective Oct. 4.
“After a thorough and deliberate search process, the board of directors concluded that Dimitrios Smyrnios is the right leader to strengthen our company moving forward,” said Allan Schuman, board chairman for Marshall, Minn.-based Schwan. “He is a proven leader with a strong track record in profitably growing businesses. Importantly, he is deeply familiar with our business, having spent his entire career in the food industry in leadership positions at PepsiCo and Nestle S.A.”
Smyrnios began his career with the Frito-Lay division at PepsiCo, where he spent eight years in progressive roles with sales and marketing. In 1993, Smyrnios joined Nestle Waters North America in Southern California. During his tenure, he had progressive roles of responsibility and eventually was EVP and GM of the Nestle Waters Home & Office Division and the Retail Division. He spent the last year with Nestle Dryer’s Ice Cream Division as president. His background in consumer goods with both retail and direct delivery will be beneficial in his new role as CEO of The Schwan Food Co., according to company leaders at Schwan.
“I am honored that the board has chosen me to lead The Schwan Food Co. into the future,” Smyrnios said. “Schwan is a market leader with an extraordinary strong heritage, and I look forward to working with the talented team of people who have helped make the company an iconic name in the food industry.”
Flack had been with the company since 1987 and served as its president and CEO for the past five years. He also was member of the company’s board of directors.
“We are grateful to Greg for his 26 years of leadership and service to The Schwan Food Co.,” Schuman said.
Schwan counts among its brands Red Baron, Tony’s and Freschetta pizza, Mrs. Smith’s and Edwards desserts and Schwan’s fine frozen foods.