President and CEO

The company currently operates across foodservice distribution, online and offline retail, and artisanal private-label manufacturing for third-party brands. It manufactures products at its facility in West Haven, Connecticut, The brand carries meaningful recognition in the foodservice industry, with leading chefs, and the company has a well-established position as a private label manufacturer for other consumer brands. Position Overview As the business continues to grow, we are seeking a President to work with the CEO and Board in leading the next phase of expansion and organizational development. The President will be the senior operating leader of the Company, responsible for execution and performance across all major business functions. This role carries full P&L responsibility and oversight of manufacturing, supply chain, sales & marketing and other commercial and administrative functions. The President will align strategy with disciplined execution while building the organizational capability required to support the company’s growth initiatives. The ideal candidate In this role, we are looking for a proven business leader with full P&L ownership experience in an organization of comparable or greater complexity, with direct accountability for both revenue growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will bring at least 15 years of progressive senior leadership experience within the food, beverage, or adjacent specialty consumer products sectors , such as premium wine and spirits, specialty coffee, natural and organic CPG, or imported specialty foods. Hands-on knowledge of food manufacturing operations, FDA regulatory requirements, and food safety systems is highly preferred. Experience building and recruiting high-performing management teams is a must. The successful candidate will have a sales or business development background and skills . Above all, we are looking for a growth-oriented, energetic executive with a strategic yet hands-on approach, a long-term ownership mindset, strong emotional intelligence, sound financial acumen, and the ability to confidently engage with boards of directors and investors. Experience working in family-owned businesses and operating within private equity, venture-backed, or institutional ownership environments is desirable but not necessary. Responsibilities Own the North American P&L, with direct accountability for revenue growth, margin performance, and cost management across all channels and functions. Build and manage the retail channel: establish and expand broker and distributor relationships, execute trade promotion programs, secure shelf placement in grocery and specialty retail, and manage the margin architecture of retail distribution. Manage the foodservice business, which is the company’s established revenue base, with a focus on deepening penetration, improving pricing discipline, and expanding into adjacent segments. Oversee the private label manufacturing business, including customer relationships, production scheduling, quality standards, and the strategic balance between private label volume and branded growth. Support the manufacturing operation including production planning, capacity management, quality assurance, food safety compliance, and continuous improvement. Build the e-commerce and direct-to-consumer operation across Amazon and Shopify, including recruiting the talent and developing the capabilities needed to scale these channels. Manage supply chain and procurement, including sourcing relationships with Italian and European truffle suppliers and the logistics of international raw material imports. Recruit, develop, and lead a management team across operations, sales, marketing, and supply chain. Engage with the board and institutional investors through regular reporting, strategic reviews, and ad hoc discussions with the rigor and transparency that PE governance requires. Qualifications & Requirements Full P&L ownership experience in a business of similar or greater complexity, with direct responsibility for revenue growth and profitability. Minimum of 15 years of progressive senior leadership experience. Industry background in food, beverage, or adjacent specialty consumer products, including: premium wine & spirits, specialty coffee, natural and organic CPG, imported specialty foods Strong knowledge of food manufacturing operations, FDA regulations and compliance, and food safety systems and standards is preferable. Demonstrated success in brand-driven, consumer-facing businesses. Growth-oriented, high-energy leader with a strong strategic and execution focus. Long-term business ownership mindset and entrepreneurial approach. Strong emotional intelligence and people leadership capabilities. Financially disciplined with the ability to manage performance through key business metrics. Proven success in recruiting, developing, and building high-performing leadership teams. Comfortable interacting with boards of directors, investors, and ownership groups. Experience working in family-owned businesses preferred. Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr