Chicago, Illinois-based Conagra Brands Inc. has appointed Scott Ostfeld, 42, to its board of directors, effective Feb. 16. He will also join the Human Resources Committee of the board. Ostfeld is a partner of JANA Partners LLC, which has been a long-term investor in Conagra Brands.
“We are pleased to welcome Scott to the Conagra Brands board of directors,” said Rick Lenny, chairman. “As a significant Conagra Brands shareholder for many years, Scott provides valuable perspective and a deep understanding of the industry, our business and the opportunities we have as we navigate this time of transformation and deliver superior shareholder value over the long-term.”
Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, commented, “Our board and management team have benefited from Scott’s insights as a shareholder, and I welcome his contributions and continued support as a member of the board.”
“As a long-term shareholder of both Conagra Brands and, prior to its acquisition by Conagra, Pinnacle Foods, I have a unique understanding of, and appreciation for, the tremendous potential of the combined company,” Ostfeld said. “I have confidence in Conagra’s ability to create shareholder value through the successful integration of the Pinnacle Foods acquisition and execution of its proven brand-building and innovation playbook across its attractive collection of brands. I look forward to working closely with Rick, Sean and the rest of the board to represent the interests of all shareholders.”
In the past year, Conagra Brands has added three new, independent directors, including Ostfeld, with diverse backgrounds in finance, technology and operations and expertise in food and consumer packaged goods. With the addition of Ostfeld, the board will return to 11 members following the departure of three directors in 2018.
Ostfeld is a member of the board of directors of HD Supply Holdings Inc. and was previously a member of the board of directors of Team Health Holdings Inc. He serves on the non-profit boards for Columbia University’s Richman Center for Business, Law and Public Policy, and The Opportunity Network. Ostfeld received a J.D. from Columbia Law School, an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.
Conagra Brands Inc. is one of North America’s leading branded food companies. Conagra’s iconic brands include Birds Eye, Marie Callender’s, Banquet, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Reddi-wip and Vlasic, as well as emerging brands, including Angie’s Boomchickapop, Duke’s, Earth Balance, Gardein and Frontera.
