Plant-based foods maker names CEO
Urban Farmer, a maker of plant-based specialty dough products, has a new top executive. The Manteno, Ill.-based company has named Steve Jungmann president and CEO.
Jungmann, who also will serve on the Paine Schwarz Partners portfolio company’s board of directors, succeeds John Keigher, who will continue with the company in the COO role.
"Helping build Urban Farmer into a leader in the better-for-you frozen food space has been a highlight of my career and I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished," Keigher said. "Transitioning to COO allows me to focus on what I enjoy the most at Urban Farmer — overseeing operations, quality and community affairs while remaining engaged with customers. I am confident in Steve's industry experience and leadership and excited to support him as we accelerate the company's move into its next phase of growth."
Jungmann joins Urban Farmer from his post as CEO of Convenience Valet, an over-the-counter and personal care products distributor for the convenience and travel channels. Prior to his work at Convenience Valet, he was president of sales at private label frozen pizza topper Richelieu Foods — a role he moved into from his position at SuperValu Foods as executive vice president of merchandising. Jungmann also brings to the role an extensive background in CPG companies, including 20 years at Kraft that culminated in him becoming vice president of category management before moving into the role of senior vice president /general manager for Solo Cup’s consumer product division.
"It is an honor to take on this leadership role at Urban Farmer, a company with high-quality, gluten-free products that set it apart," Jungmann said. "I appreciate the work John and the team have done in shaping the company, helping take it from a small business to a leading U.S. manufacturer of plant-based specialty products. Building on this strong foundation, we have significant opportunities to drive growth through innovation in our key channels, including co-manufacturing, private label and foodservice, as well as in the Urban Farmer brand. It is a privilege to be working with a highly supportive ownership group in Paine Schwartz Partners and to have the guidance and insight of such an accomplished board of directors. I look forward to working with John, as well as the entire talented and hard-working Urban Farmer team, to capture the opportunities ahead."