C.H. Guenther & Son appoints Buckles to top spot
Private label food producer C.H. Guenther & Son has a new top executive. The San Antonio, Texas-based company has named John Buckles its president and CEO effective April 29.
“I am thrilled to join Dale and the entire CHG team to honor the 170-year family legacy of this great company,” Buckles said. “I have long admired CHG’s culture, product quality, customer partnerships and manufacturing expertise. I look forward to continuing CHG’s commitment to building lasting relationships and its passion for innovating remarkable food solutions.”
Buckles succeeds longtime CEO Dale Tremblay, who will serve as chairman of the company’s board and work closely with Buckles during a transition period.
“With three acquisitions since 2018, CHG has continued to grow and enhance our leading product offering for our customers,” Tremblay said. “As I hand the baton to John and assume the role of chairman of CHG’s Board, I am confident John is the right leader for CHG’s next phase of growth. I am eager to support John through the transition as he drives new business opportunities, evaluates add-on acquisitions and further strengthens our critical customer relationships.”
Buckles joins the company from Ventura Foods, where he most recently was COO. Prior to Ventura Foods, he held various leadership roles at PepsiCo, Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola, both in commercial and operations-focused positions.
“John’s experience is ideally suited for CHG’s next chapter,” said David Gau, head of operations at CHG parent Pritzker Private Capital. “His values are a strong fit with the culture and legacy of both CHG and PPC. We are pleased to welcome John to the CHG and PPC families.”
Tony Pritzker, chairman and CEO of PPG, thanked Tremblay for his work with the company, where he had been CEO since 2001.
“We recognize Dale’s immeasurable contributions as he steered the company with honesty and integrity through incredible growth over his 23 years of service,” Pritzker said. “We are thrilled that he will continue his partnership with us as chairman and assist us in other food industry activities."