Robert C. CantwellB&G Foods has announced that Kenneth G. Romanzi will succeed Robert C. Cantwell as the Parsippany, New Jersey, USA-headquartered company’s president and chief executive officer when he retires on April 5. Romanzi, age 59, is currently B&G’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
The departure of 62-year-old Cantwell will bring to a close a remarkable career of more than three and a half decades of continuous service to B&G Foods, including approximately 23 years of leadership as executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer and more than four years of leadership as president and ceo. It is expected that he will continue to advise the company on M&A and capital markets transactions.
“Bob Cantwell has been a key member of our management team for more than 35 years. During his tenure, B&G Foods has completed more than 20 acquisitions and grown from a small, regional pickle company to a leading public food company with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands. Over the last four years he has transformed B&G by completing six acquisitions, including the Green Giant frozen vegetables brand, and the company’s net sales have approximately doubled,” said Stephen C. Sherrill, chairman of the board of directors.
Kenneth G. RomanziIncoming CEO Romanzi, who came to B&G Foods in December of 2017, will assume Cantwell’s seat on the board of director. Prior to joining B&G he served as president, fresh foods at WhiteWave Foods Corp., from March of 2016 to October of 2017, during which time he led Earthbound Farm Organic.
Before that he was senior vice president and chief operating officer, global brands of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. from 2013 to 2015, and was senior vice president and chief operating officer of Ocean Spray’s North American food and beverage business from 2004 to 2013. Other food and beverage industry executive experience was gained while working at Ultimate Juice Company, Balducci’s Direct, Nabisco Refrigerated Foods, Nabisco Biscuit Company, Cadbury Schweppes, and Frito-Lay, Inc.
