Bel Group has hired former Impossible Foods’ chief Peter McGuinness to lead the French dairy major’s North America operations.
As CEO of Bel North America, McGuinness will oversee offices in New York City, Chicago and Montreal, as well as five manufacturing plants in the US and Canada.
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His responsibilities will include “accelerating growth, advancing M&A and breakthrough innovation, strengthening the company’s local footprint, and building a more sustainable and performance-focused food business”, the dairy group said in a statement yesterday (9 February).
McGuinness stepped down as CEO of plant-based meat company Impossible Foods last week, having taken the helm in April 2022.
There, his responsibilities will be assumed by an executive leadership team rather than a single CEO. The group comprises Jason Gao, the company’s chief legal and operating officer; Meredith Madden, the chief demand officer; and Robert Haas, chief supply officer.
Prior to Impossible Foods, McGuinness spent over nine years at another US food business Chobani, where his final role was that of president and COO.
Commenting on his appointment, Cécile Béliot, the CEO of Bel Group, said: “North America, and particularly the US, is a cornerstone of Bel’s future.
“Peter is a transformational, values-driven leader whose track record aligns perfectly with Bel’s ‘two-leg’ model – where profitability and sustainability are equally important. His appointment reflects our confidence in the strength of Bel North America, our Purpose Full Snacking ambition, and our belief that performance and responsibility go hand in hand.”
Bel North America’s portfolio includes some of the company’s key brands such as Babybel and Boursin. Its food manufacturing facilities are located in Idaho, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Quebec.
The company said it is expanding capacity at its Little Chute, Wisconsin, and Brookings, South Dakota, facilities to meet “accelerating” demand.
McGuinness added: “I’m excited to accelerate Purpose Full Snacking across North America and beyond – making it easier for people to snack more intentionally and deliciously with fruit, veggie, and cheese options that bring nourishment and joy, and maybe a laugh or two along the way.”
Bel is also known for brands like The Laughing Cow and Kiri.
It also produces fruit-based products through brands like Pom’Potes and GoGo squeeZ.
Bel Group reports its financial results on an annual and half-yearly basis.
Its latest, for the six months to the end of June, showed revenue rose 3.2% in organic terms to €1.87bn ($2.2bn).
Operating income dropped 10.9% to €108.9m, while net profit dipped to €46.4m from €52.7m a year earlier.
