TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a leading global company focused on organic, non-genetically modified and specialty foods, today announced that Gregg Tanner has been appointed to SunOpta’s Board of Directors. Concurrent with Mr. Tanner’s appointment, independent director Jay Amato stepped down as a director, effective immediately.
Mr. Tanner served as Director and CEO of Dean Foods from 2012 to 2016 and helped it become one of the most successful companies in the food industry. With an extensive background in supply chain management, Mr. Tanner will provide the Board of Directors with invaluable experience and insights as the Company implements its value creation strategy built on four pillars: portfolio optimization, operational excellence, go-to-market effectiveness and process sustainability.
“Gregg possesses a deep understanding of the food industry and we are delighted to welcome him to SunOpta’s Board of Directors,” said Dean Hollis, Chairman of SunOpta. “Gregg’s experience in overseeing value creation initiatives and unique record in supply chain management will be invaluable to SunOpta as we work to meet our strategic goals.”
“I have tremendous respect for SunOpta and believe the Company has a very bright future,” said Mr. Tanner. “I look forward to contributing to the Company’s value creation initiatives and helping SunOpta achieve its full potential.”
Added Mr. Hollis, “We would also like to thank Jay for his contributions to the company as a long-standing independent director and as prior Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee. Since his appointment in 2008, the Company has benefited from his experience and insights. We wish him well in all future endeavors.”
About Gregg Tanner
Gregg Tanner served as Chief Executive Officer and Director for Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) from October 2012 to December 2016. As the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and with his experience in supply chain management, Mr. Tanner provided the Board with invaluable insight regarding the Company's operations and businesses.
Prior to serving as CEO, Mr. Tanner served as the Company's Chief Supply Chain Officer and President of the Company's Fresh Dairy Direct division, where he was responsible for all sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution functions for Dean Foods' largest business unit and for supply chain operations for Dean Foods as a whole. Mr. Tanner joined Dean Foods in 2007.
Prior to joining Dean Foods, Mr. Tanner was Senior Vice President, Global Operations with The Hershey Company. Before joining Hershey, Mr. Tanner was Senior Vice President, Retail Supply Chain at ConAgra Foods, Inc. where he directed the entire supply chain for retail products. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tanner held positions at Quaker Oats Company and Ralston Purina Company.
Since 2007, Mr. Tanner has served on the Board of Directors of The Boston Beer Company, Inc., where he is the Chair of the Audit Committee. He serves as Chair of the Milk Industry Foundation, as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Dairy Foods Association, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. He is a graduate of Kansas State University.
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic, non-genetically modified ("non-GMO") and specialty foods. The Company specializes in the sourcing, processing and packaging of organic and non-GMO food products, integrated from seed through packaged products, with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business models. The Company's organic and non-GMO food operations revolve around value-added grain, seed, fruit and vegetable based product offerings, supported by a global sourcing and supply infrastructure.
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