PARSIPPANY, N.J. — William F. Herbes, executive vice-president of operations at B&G Foods, Inc., plans to retire at the end of the year after 10 years with the company. His departure represents yet another change in the company’s leadership team.
In April, longtime leader Robert C. Cantwell is set to retire as president and chief executive officer. He will be replaced by Kenneth G. Romanzi.
Commenting on Mr. Herbes’ retirement, Mr. Cantwell said, “Bill has been a tremendous contributor to B&G Foods’ growth over the past 10 years. Since assuming responsibility for our supply chain and manufacturing operations in 2009, our company’s net sales have more than tripled and our domestic and international sourcing and manufacturing operations and capabilities have greatly expanded.
“Mr. Herbes has played an integral role in our growth, including through post-M.&A. integration of numerous manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and co-pack arrangements, including B&G Foods’ two largest manufacturing facilities. Under Bill’s strong leadership, we also successfully established a frozen distribution network following our acquisition of the Green Giant brand and successfully outsourced our shelf-stable distribution network to a third-party logistics provider. Over the years, Bill has also played a key role in our cost savings initiatives. I am very pleased that Bill will continue with B&G Foods through the remainder of 2019 and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”
Mr. Romanzi added, “It has been a privilege to work with Bill, and I am delighted that Bill has agreed to remain with B&G Foods through year end and partner with Erich Fritz, our executive vice-president and chief supply chain officer, to continue to evolve our operations to become even more efficient and cost effective.”
In late February, B&G Foods announced a leaner management structure as part of larger efforts to control costs. Changes include the retirement of Vanessa E. Maskal, executive vice-president of sales and marketing. Mr. Fritz joined the company as chief supply chain officer, and Jordan E. Greenberg and Ellen M. Schum have stepped up as chief commercial officer and chief customer officer, respectively.
The leaner management structure, coupled with the elimination of positions that were dedicated to supporting the recently divested Pirate Brands business, were expected to reduce the general and administrative cost structure by approximately $7 million on an annual basis, Mr. Romanzi said.