FRISCO, TEXAS — Mexican food manufacturer Ruiz Food Products Inc. announced a series of executive leadership and board changes, including naming Kimberli Carroll as the next president and chief executive officer. Carroll will also serve on the board of directors.

Carroll succeeds Dan Antonelli, who will transition to the new position of executive board chair.

“As the Ruiz Foods board of directors considered the direction for our next CEO, the best candidate was right here on our leadership team,” said Kim Ruiz Beck, a Ruiz Foods owner and current board chair who remains on the board as an owner-director. “Kim Carroll quite literally grew up inside the Ruiz Foods organization over two decades. She began her career in marketing, was a member of the team that developed and deployed the most successful new product in the company’s history, and has served as a leader implementing dynamic, transformative change throughout our entire supply, production and distribution chains.

“In addition, Kim possesses both the leadership skills essential to continue to move the company forward and the deep relationships and commitment to our people and culture that are the foundation of what we do each day. This combination makes her uniquely qualified to lead Ruiz Foods as we boldly work to become the nation’s best frozen food company in the eyes of our team members, suppliers, customers and consumers.”

In September 2023, Carroll was promoted to chief operating officer. She previously served as executive vice president, general manager and chief commercial officer for the company’s Foodservice and Retail businesses.

“I am humbled and honored to lead one of the finest family-owned companies in America,” Carroll said.  “Dan Antonelli has been instrumental in leading the transformation we started in 2021 to become a top performing company, and Kim Ruiz Beck has been our North star, leading us by embodying the values of the business.  Now, it’s our job to continue their legacy by ensuring our brands are the market leaders in every channel we pursue.”

The changes will take effect Jan. 21.