Former TreeHouse exec named CEO of Del Real Foods

Michael Axelrod has been named CEO of Del Real Foods, a producer of branded and private label refrigerated Hispanic foods. Axelrod carries with him more than three years of c-level experience with TreeHouse Foods, a major supplier of store branded products, where he oversaw the $1.5 billion condiments division.

Axelrod most recently spent a year as the CEO of Passport Food Group, a manufacturer and distributor of internationally flavored foods for foodservice and retailers throughout North America. He also held executive posts at Whirlpool, McCain Foods, Kraft Foods and Pactiv Corp.

Del Real Foods, Mira Loma, Calif., manufacturers store brand heat-and-serve authentic Mexican foods that include tamales, pupusas, salsas, side dishes, meats and other specialty foods. The company is owned by Palladium Equity Partners LLC and has recently doubled its manufacturing and expanded its product distribution.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based TreeHouse Foods is expected to reach $670 million this year and recently sold its snacks division to Atlas Holdings LLC for $90 million.