Hostess Brands Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has named consumer packaged goods executive Andrew “Andy” Callahan as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 7, 2018. He will replace C. Dean Metropoulos, the Company’s Executive Chairman, who has been serving in the expanded role of interim President and Chief Executive Officer since March 31, 2018. Metropoulos will remain Executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Callahan was also appointed as a director on the company’s Board of Directors.

Callahan joins the company with more than 23 years of executive leadership experience serving in key consumer packaged goods industry roles at Tyson Foods, Inc., The Hillshire Brands Company, Sara Lee Corporation and Kraft Foods, Inc.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead the Hostess Brands team,” said Mr. Callahan. “I have admired the Hostess brand and I look forward to working with Dean, the Board of Directors, our leadership team and employees to realize the growth potential of the Company.”

Callahan previously served as Tyson Foods’ President of Retail Packaged Brands, managing Tyson Foods’ retail consumer brands, including brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee, Aidells and Ball Park, as well as President of North American Foodservice and International. Additionally, he was responsible for Tyson Pet Products, Inc., which makes True Chews brand dog treats. Prior to that, Mr. Callahan served as President of Retail for Hillshire Brands during which time the company completed an initial public offering and then was subsequently acquired by Tyson Foods. He also served as Chief Customer Officer for Sara Lee Corporation North America, President of Sara Lee Foodservice Division, and General Manager of Jimmy Dean. Prior to Sara Lee, he spent 13 years at Kraft Foods in roles of increasing responsibility in marketing, sales, and general management.

Source: Hostess