Hanover, Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands, a U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, has announced some upcoming leadership changes.
After 27 years with the company, CEO Dylan Lissette will be appointed executive chairman of the board, effective Dec. 15. At that time, Howard Friedman, currently COO of Post Holdings, will join the company as CEO and serve as a member of the Utz Board.
In line with these appointments, Roger Deromedi, current chairman, will become lead independent director. Lissette will transition to the role of non-executive chairman of the board by the end of 2022.
This leadership transition was contemplated at the time of the merger between Collier Creek Holdings and Utz and is the next step as Utz continues to develop as a public company. The search for the next CEO of Utz included the consideration of both internal and external candidates, leading to the identification of Friedman as an successor to Lissette, with CPG experience and expertise to lead the company as it accelerates its growth strategy.
Joining the company in 1995 and serving as CEO since 2013, Lissette has been integral to the company. During his tenure as CEO, Lissette oversaw a decade of accomplishments, including sales growth that nearly tripled to reach over $1.3 billion, Utz’s debut as a public company and the completion of six acquisitions since the company’s public listing in 2020.
“I have had the honor and privilege to work for and to help lead this great company for nearly three decades,” Lissette said.
“It has been immensely gratifying to see the success of our team over so many years, as Utz continues to achieve enhanced scale while never compromising the family crafted quality and great flavors that our consumers expect. Our track record of success has been incredible, and I am truly excited to transition into the role of executive chairman and to welcome Howard to our team.”
For more information, visit utzsnacks.com.
