MANHATTAN, KAS. — John Riesch, president and chief executive officer of Lesaffre Yeast Corp. and Red Star Yeast Co., has been elected chairman of AIB International’s board of trustees. He succeeds Donald A. Thriffiley Jr., principal in KAT Management Group, L.L.C.
As chairman, Mr. Riesch will provide leadership for the board and guidance for the direction of AIB International as a whole. He has been on the AIB International board of directors and executive committee for the past seven years.
Mr. Riesch has more than 30 years of experience in the food and baking industry with the majority of his career in yeast and corn refining. He previously held executive positions at Minn-Dakota Yeast Co., Anheuser-Busch’s Industrial Products Division and Edwards Baking Co.
He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Riesch is a member of the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry and the American Bakers Association, and he has served twice on the board of directors of the A.B.A., which he will join again in his role as chairman of AIB.
Mr. Thriffiley will serve as vice-chairman of the board of trustees. He recently retired as senior vice-president of human resources for Flowers Foods, Inc.
AIB’s other elected Executive Committee members include: Craig Slavtcheff, global vice-president of the biscuits and snacks division, and vice-president of the U.S. Biscuit and Bakery Group for the Campbell Soup Co.; Barry Clayton, senior vice-president of business development for AB Mauri Baking Solutions; Richard McGrath, partner, Lockton Companies; Andre Biane, president and chief executive officer of AIB International; and Thomas E. Ogle, secretary and treasurer of AIB International.
