Sokol Custom Food Ingredients Taps New CEO

Sokol Custom Food Ingredients, a manufacturer of food ingredients that works with private brands, has named Shawn M. Sullivan as the company’s new CEO. He will fill the role on Sept. 26.

Sullivan has over 30 years of experience in the food industry, with a background in CPG and B2B ingredients. He joins Sokol from Barry Callebaut America, where he served as vice president of sales for the premium decorations and inclusions business unit. As CEO of Sokol, Sullivan will be responsible for leading growth and developing strategic partnerships.

“In this next phase of Sokol under the BCP umbrella, we are committed to evolving our capabilities and bringing on best-in-class leadership, starting with Shawn’s hire,” said Tim Novak, chairman of the board at Sokol. “As a seasoned industry leader, Shawn is ideally suited to take over the reins. The combination of his passion for customer-driven innovation and entrepreneurial spirit with Sokol’s ability to execute operationally as a leading co-manufacturer, gives us confidence that a bright future is ahead for Sokol’s business.”

Prior to Barry Callebaut, Sullivan served as senior vice president of Gertrude Hawk Ingredients, a company that supplies innovative confectionery ingredients to ice cream, baking, snacking and contract manufacturing markets. During his tenure there, he grew sales 450% over a 14-year period, built high-quality teams and was awarded “Dairy Queen Supplier of the Year” for innovation, service and quality.

“From ingredients and retail brands to private label, Sokol has made its mark across the food industry,” said Sullivan. “Despite current economic uncertainties, the company is poised to see significant growth due in part to its diverse business portfolio and long legacy of supplying both quality products and exceptional customer service. As CEO, I will use my expertise to help build upon the strong foundation that the talented team at Sokol has created, bringing the company to its full potential as the leading custom ingredients manufacturer.”

Based in Countryside, Ill., products offered by Sokol Custom Food Ingredients include sweet and savory sauces, dips & spreads, almond paste and fish & anchovy paste.