Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer, appointed Dave Gardner as president and chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026. Gardner succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to executive officer and executive vice president, chief human resources officer for Tokyo-based parent company Ajinomoto Co., after leading AFNA through a multiyear period of investment, capability building and cultural transformation.

Gardner brings more than 35 years of food industry experience to the role. He served as AFNA's chief supply chain officer since 2022, leading manufacturing and end-to-end supply chain operations across the company's eight US production facilities. He led a cross-functional cost transformation initiative delivering $35 million in first-year savings while improving customer service. He also oversaw capacity expansions and asset optimization across the company's manufacturing network 

Gardner joined AFNA from Amy's Kitchen, the Petaluma, Calif.-based natural and organic frozen foods company, where he served as chief operating officer. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Ingredion Inc., including vice president of North America supply chain and vice president of North America manufacturing.

"Dave is the right leader at the right moment," said predecessor Kaho. “AFNA has built a strong foundation with a clear sense of purpose, and a portfolio that is uniquely positioned for where consumers are heading. Dave's track record of building high-performing teams, integrating businesses at scale, and translating complex strategies into operational results makes him uniquely suited to lead AFNA into its next chapter."

Gardner is stepping into the CEO role having helped shape and embed the company's Purpose and Values framework, which earned AFNA recognition in 2025 as both a Great Place to Work and winning an Inspiring Workplace award with "Best in Class" honors in the Culture and Purpose category. He plans to build on that foundation to accelerate growth, deepen innovation, and develop the next generation of cross-functional leaders.

Gardner has identified three priorities for his early tenure as CEO: (1) elevating operational excellence as a companywide discipline, (2) accelerating innovation and brand-building to expand AFNA's presence on retail shelves and in foodservice; (and (3) continuing to develop a deep bench of leaders aligned to AFNA's purpose: To Make Everyday Eating a Happy Experience.

"AFNA is positioned for growth. We have a unique culture that has allowed us to attract and retain the best talent.  We have deep-rooted R&D and culinary expertise that extends through our global network.  And we participate in categories that are on-trend and can be uniquely served by our diverse products and strong manufacturing platform. . "My focus is on taking our company to the next level, establishing Ajinomoto as a recognized well-being brand feeding an appetite for authentic, globally inspired food

Gardner holds bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical and biochemical engineering from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. 

Source: Ajinomoto Foods North America