USA—Food manufacturer Schwan’s Co. has promoted its president of consumer brands, Brian Schiegg, to the CEO position following Dimitrios Smyrnios’s retirement after ten years at the helm. 

Scheigg has 17 years of experience in the food and beverage sector. His career includes a brief stint as COO of Ocean Spray Cranberries and other management roles at Mars, including supply chain leadership, general management, strategy and business leadership, and brand building. 

The new CEO joined the company in 2021 and was integral in helping it grow its bibigo Asian-style foods and Red Baron pizza brands to market-leading positions in their respective categories. 

Schwan’s Board of Directors expressed optimism over Scheigg’s new role. 

Minsok Pak, Chairman of Schwan’s Board of Directors, said, “The North American market is critical to our growth strategy, and I personally look forward to working with Brian to achieve our vision of becoming the number one provider of ethnic cuisine in the United States.” 

“Brian has the full support and confidence of the company’s board of directors and CJ Foods’ leadership to maintain Schwan’s momentum and propel our company to even greater heights in the future.“ 

Sheigg takes over the food manufacturer during a massive expansion effort of its Asian-style foods. 

Schwan recently announced plans to set up a new regional office in South Dakota to support the 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility inaugurated in 2021 in the region. The facility processes the company’s Asian-style foods, brands Sheigg had a direct hand in building. 

The new CEO revealed that the regional office will help streamline logistics and supply chain operations in the region, further strengthening the company’s position as one of the fastest-growing players in the food sector. 

He also expressed optimism following his appointment. 

Sheigg said, “Schwan’s is an extremely strong company with an amazing heritage, and we have built an extraordinary team of very talented people.” 

“Together, we will work to build upon our position as a leader in the North American market and continue to pursue our plans for long-term growth.” 

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