News in brief
Theo Chocolate names former Kellogg exec as CEO
Patout is now responsible for driving Theo’s future growth, which will benefit the company’s stakeholders, while remaining consistent with its founding mission, vision and value, said Theo.
He previously worked as the chief marketing officer at Pharmavite out of Los Angeles, California, before joining the Seattle-based chocolate company, according to Theo. Pharmavite is the maker of Nature Made and Mega Foods vitamins and supplements.
“I’m joining the Theo team because I believe in the mission,” Patout said in a statement. “It’s an amazing brand and I’m confident it has tremendous potential.”
Additionally, he worked in various executive positions at Kellogg for about seven years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“Patout held senior leadership roles at the Kellogg Company including general manager of wholesome snacks for Kellogg’s and Kashi brands, vice president of innovation for the cereal division, general manager of Pop Tart’s, and director for acquisition and long lead innovation,” said Theo.
Theo Chocolate, founded by Joe Whinney, currently manufactures dark and milk chocolate bars, candies, caramels as well as chocolate clusters. It is one of the first chocolate companies in the US to source organic and Fairtrade cocoa beans from Central America and Africa.