Parsippany, New Jersey, USA-headquartered Pinnacle Foods Inc. has announced the appointment of Michael E. Allen, a food industry veteran with significant experience leading health and wellness brands such as Kashi and Morningstar Farms, to the position of executive vice president and president of Boulder segment operations, effective September 19. He will report to CEO Mark Clouse and replace Phil Anson, interim Boulder general manager and founder of the Evol frozen foods brand.
Allen, 54, joins Pinnacle from the Kellogg Company, where he most recently served as president of its Morning Foods division. Prior to that he was president of the frozen foods division from 2009-13. Allen joined the Kellogg Company in 1997 and progressed through various leadership roles in marketing, innovation and general management. Before joining Kellogg, he worked in marketing and advertising.
“We are excited to welcome Michael to Pinnacle Foods to lead our Boulder segment,” said CEO Clouse. “His strong track record of growing brands and leading natural and organic businesses, as well as his personal passion for wellness, will help us realize the full potential of our Boulder business.”
Meanwhile, Pinnacle Foods recently announced plans to shut down its Evol frozen foods manufacturing facility in Boulder, Colorado, and relocate production of the brand’s range of burritos, snacks, entrees and breakfast items to a factory in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The jobs of approximately 85 people are affected.
According to a statement issued by the company, which acquired the facility with the purchase of Boulder Brands in January: “The Evol brand has outgrown its current manufacturing site in Boulder, and the Fayetteville location has the necessary capacity to accommodate the business. Select products will continue to be produced at strategic contract manufacturers with specialized capabilities.”
Anticipating that the Evol plant will close during the first quarter of 2017, Pinnacle is inviting workers to apply for open positions at the company’s other sites, including one in nearby Denver.
In addition to Evol, the acquisition of Boulder Brands added well-known proprietary labels such as Glutino, Udi’s Gluten Free, Earth Balance and Smart Balance to the Pinnacle Foods portfolio. The company, which employs approximately 5,400 people system-wide, has a significant profile in the frozen foods sector. Among its brands are Birds Eye vegetables and Birds Eye Voila! meals, Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s prepared seafood, Hungry-Man dinners and entrees, Aunt Jemima breakfasts, Lender’s bagels and Celeste pizza.
