TOLEDO, Ohio- Hickory Farms announced on March 21 that Diane Pearse has been named the company’s new president and CEO. Pearse brings 35 years of financial management experience, operations, and leadership roles with consumer product and retail companies.
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| Diane Pearse, CEO of Hickory Farms |
"It is truly an honor to join the Hickory Farms team," Pearse said. "I am excited about the great future we have ahead of us as we grow this great brand and build on its tremendous foundation."
Prior to Hickory Farms, Pearse served as COO and executive vice president of finance of Garrett Brands. Also, Pearse held the position of senior vice president of operations and merchandising for Redbox. There she was responsible for leading the company’s field operations and technical support center. Pearse also helped with inventory, logistics functions, and strategy and analytics team. Before that, she was CFO of Crate & Barrel from 2001 to 2010.
"Diane's proven track record of data-driven business growth and innovation, and her extensive and diverse leadership experience with consumer brands makes her the perfect candidate to lead Hickory Farms," said David Veenstra, Hickory Farms board member and Modjule, LLC Partner. "We are thrilled to welcome Diane and have every confidence she will build upon Hickory Farms' many successes, and continue to grow the brand in an impactful way."
Mark S. Rodriguez, who served as CEO from October 2007, has stepped down from his role.
