J. Skinner Baking, a U.S. bakery manufacturer, has appointed David Kowal as CEO and David Meltzer as chief commercial officer.
The appointments mark a significant milestone in the company’s growth, reflecting its commitment to service, innovation and distribution expansion.
Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, J. Skinner Baking is a manufacturer of artisanal pastries and ready-to-eat baked goods through grocery in-store bakeries (ISB), foodservice providers and co-pack partnerships. Founded in 1983, the company has grown into one of the largest ISB providers in the U.S., selling its products in more than 30,000 retail locations across all 50 states.
Kowal most recently served as CEO of BrightPet Nutritional Group, a pet food manufacturer for branded, private label and contract manufacturing customers. He brings a track record of transforming and scaling businesses, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation.
Kowal has held leadership roles at other leading food and beverage companies throughout his career, including Dawn Food Products, Champion Foods and Distant Lands Coffee. He also previously served as an operating partner and board member of several private equity-backed food and beverage businesses.
“I’m honored to lead J. Skinner into its next chapter,” Kowal said.
“This company has a strong foundation, a passionate team and a clear mission to deliver value to our customers and consumers. My focus will be on accelerating innovation, deepening our market impact for growth and fostering a culture where bold ideas thrive. Together, we’ll chart a course towards sustainable growth and long-term success.”
Joining Kowal on the executive team, Meltzer is a seasoned commercial leader. He will lead all customer-facing functions and play a key role in shaping J. Skinner’s go-to-market strategy, expanding customer relationships and elevating the company’s presence across the industry.
Meltzer previously held senior roles at Teasdale Foods Inc. and Pre Brands, where he spearheaded commercial strategies that significantly expanded market share, new business growth and customer engagement.
“I am excited to join J. Skinner at such a pivotal moment,” Meltzer said. “I see tremendous potential to deepen customer relationships, expand into new markets and build a commercial strategy that is both bold and sustainable. I’m eager to collaborate with the talented team at J. Skinner and help shape the next chapter of growth.”
About J. Skinner Baking
J. Skinner is one of the premier bakery manufacturers in the U.S. With more than 800 employees and a diverse product offering across danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, brownies and bars, J. Skinner is a long-standing partner to the nation’s largest grocers, foodservice providers and co-packers due to their commitment to product quality, consistency and sustainability.
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