Peter McGuinness has been promoted to president of Chobani, reporting to Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and founder, effective Aug. 28.
“We created this company with people at the center, and they are the reason for where we are today. Peter has been an amazing member of that journey, and I’m honored and happy to have him as president,” says Ulukaya. “Passion, intelligence, and collaboration make us who we are, and I love seeing this talent rising up through the company, working side by side to build the future of Chobani. We continue to break down walls, collaborate more and become closer as leaders, making a better food company for tomorrow.”
In addition to his current responsibilities overseeing Chobani’s demand function, McGuinness will manage Chobani’s supply chain, manufacturing, sustainability and research and development functions. The Norwich, New York-based company is continuing its efforts to shift toward a nimbler, team-centric way of organizing—a model it said was tested and proven through the combination of the company’s sales, marketing and new product development functions under McGuinness in 2017.
Chobani said it is the only major U.S. yogurt brand to grow in dollar sales and market share in 2019.
In addition to the new role for McGuinness, Chobani also announced several other promotions:
- Federico Muyshondt has been named chief customer officer, reporting to McGuinness. In addition to his current role overseeing retail and international sales activity, Muyshondt’s role will now include category development, shopper marketing and revenue and trade management.
- Jason Blaisure has been named SVP of supply chain, reporting to McGuinness. He will oversee manufacturing and engineering operations, procurement, logistics and customer service and contract manufacturing.
- Parag Agrawal has been named CIO, reporting to Ulukaya. He will oversee the company’s technological infrastructure and IT operations.
- Grace Zuncic has been named chief people and culture officer, continuing to report to Ulukaya. She remains responsible for maintaining strong company culture and human resources capabilities.
The company also announced the departure of Mick Beekhuizen, CFO. Michelle Brooks, current Chobani treasurer, will serve as interim CFO. Brooks joined Chobani in the fall of 2018 to serve as treasurer and lead the company’s investor relations. In this interim role, she will continue to lead the company’s investment strategy and financial strength.
With these changes, 50 percent of Chobani’s executive leadership team will comprise female leaders.
