PepsiCo alum named as new CEO of Kind Snacks

17-Sep-2019 - Last updated on 17-Sep-2019 at 08:29 GMT

Kind currently has a portfolio of over 80 better-for-you snacks. Pic: Kind

Mike Barkley is succeeding founder Daniel Lubetzky, who has served as CEO for the US snack producer for 15 years.

Barkley has previously worked at Pinnacle Foods, Campbell Soup and PepsiCo. He joined Kind a year ago as president and chief operating officer, focused on growing the company’s better-for-you portfolio, purpose and potential.

Lubetzky is moving into the company’s executive chairman role.

Kind also announced the appointment of three industry leaders with decades between them of building brands and developing companies, including:

Dan Poland – executive VP and chief supply chain officer at Pinnacle Foods – who will slot into the COO seat. Poland has also worked for WhiteWave Foods.
Doug Behrens – president of Amplify Snack Brands and another former WhiteWave staffer – has been named chief customer officer.
Rebecca Bagin – chief human resources officer at Tory Burch and previously VP of HR for Campbell North America – will become Kind’s chief HR officer.

‘Advance our mission’

“We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish in the last 15 years as we invest to continue to advance our mission,” said Lubetzky.

“We are extremely excited about the growth potential these leadership appointments will help unlock for Kind.”

Added Barkley, “These appointments come at an incredibly exciting time for Kind as we seek to bolster our leadership in our current categories, while also entering new categories and rapidly expanding our global footprint.

“We believe these additions to our leadership team will help us achieve our vision of becoming a foremost global health and wellness leader.”