Strategic executive with proven expertise in operational management and performance enhancement, driving EBITDA growth. Excels in P&L accountability and fostering collaboration within teams. Skilled in strategic planning and business development, enhancing profitability through effective relationship management and opportunity capitalizing.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim COO & CEO, Executive Board Member
BAXTERS FOOD GROUP
Cincinnati, OH
10.2024 - Current
Achieved record earnings with EBITDA growth of 24% and 33% in consecutive years.
Drove EBITDA improvement through management of operational costs and manufacturing overheads, enhancing overall profitability.
Optimized gross margin through targeted pricing strategies and business rationalization initiatives, contributing to financial stability.
Directed strategy for growth in new categories, building high-performing team to effectively execute business plans.
Restructured business to support growth ambitions, aligning talent with core category needs.
Directed operational turnaround to enhance delivery efficiency.
President, Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors
CUSTOM BAKEHOUSE
Santa Fe Springs, CA
03.2020 - 08.2024
Led business turnaround initiatives post-acquisition, successfully supporting entry into new market channels.
Transformed organization from co-pack/private label manufacturer into branded CPG company, enhancing brand recognition and market positioning.
Drove growth across traditional retail, private label, and e-commerce channels, enhancing overall market presence.
Rationalized underperforming businesses to simplify operational complexity and enhance profitability.
Established sales and marketing capability by developing effective broker network, significantly increasing market reach and customer engagement.
Created fulfillment capabilities for make-to-stock environment, streamlining sales and operations planning processes.
Enhanced forecasting accuracy while meeting requirements of make-to-order co-pack partners.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES AND MARKETING
BAXTERS FOOD GROUP
Cincinnati, OH
10.2014 - 03.2020
Retained and promoted post-acquisition to drive growth in private label channel and retail FMCG foods and Military DOD food programs. Contributed to executive team focused on doubling US commercial business size through organic and M&A strategies with full P&L accountability.
Increased operating margin by >15% annually for the $285M high-growth business.
Introduced new channel for in-store brands, built team, and achieved significant growth in private label segment performance.
Championed initiative to strengthen organizational bench, boosting high-potential talent engagement and retention through focused development and succession planning.
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
THE WORNICK COMPANY
Cincinnati, OH
01.2013 - 10.2014
Identified $45M in new business opportunities through alternative channels within existing manufacturing capabilities, enhancing market reach.
Expanded commercial revenue and leveraged core competencies, driving EBITDA improvement across all business lines to enhance company valuation for sale.
Facilitated transition to new strategic owners, validating business value through thorough sales and marketing due diligence.
Developer and manufacturer of convenience food products and packaging; acquired by Baxters Food Group in 2014.
DIRECTOR MILITARY BUSINESS
THE WORNICK COMPANY
Cincinnati, OH
01.2010 - 01.2013
Secured top share in MRE rations, winning 50% of contracts awarded by the military (20% higher than previous years) increasing volume 138% and achieving record 36% increase in operating margins.
Led the general management of manufacturing operations and customer relationships for the $130M military business, with full P&L ownership.
Revitalized operations by reinstating focus on balanced scorecard, enhancing quality and on-time delivery.
Increased productivity by 30% while optimizing space utilization by 32% through Lean initiatives.
DIRECTOR, ADVANCED PLANNING AND LOGISTICS
THE WORNICK COMPANY
Cincinnati, OH
02.2007 - 01.2010
Led OTC business process reengineering and supply chain optimization following Chapter 11 and transition to private equity ownership, enhancing operational resilience.
Increased inventory turns 35% and achieved multimillion-dollar reduction in obsolescence.
Reduced inventory by ~$25M through modified terms and shifted cost of ownership down the supply chain, streamlining financial efficiency.
Led cross-functional team utilizing Lean principles to reengineer OTC cycle time, eliminating waste, improving takt time and aligning with customer demand.
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
THE WORNICK COMPANY
Cincinnati, OH
04.2006 - 11.2007
Devised go-to-market strategy that led to acquisition of two top 10 CPG customers and maximized operational capacity (~$40M in new business).
Developed market segmentation strategy to identify co-manufacturing partners in CPG industry for shelf-stable meals, leveraging Wornick technologies for innovation and mutual growth.
Leveraged marketing expertise to transition organization from military contractor to balanced food manufacturer through new business development and process improvements.
Accelerated new product commercialization and speed to market by utilizing Lean methods to redesign product development process.
Introduced individual performance incentives in management process, increasing motivation and accountability within sales team.