TreeHouse Foods president resigns

Christopher D. Sliva has resigned as president of Oak Brook, Ill.-based TreeHouse Foods, the company announced Nov. 3. Dennis F. Riordan, executive vice president and chief financial officer, whose upcoming retirement was announced in August, will remain with the company as president while the company conducts a search for a new president. Riordan will oversee both of the operating companies — Bay Valley Foods and TreeHouse Private Brands.

TreeHouse Foods also appointed Matthew J. Foulston as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective no later than Dec. 2.

“We are grateful to Chris for the influence he has had on our organization and culture over the last four years," said Sam K. Reed, chairman and CEO of TreeHouse Foods, in a statement. “Dennis is the natural person to step into the president role in the interim. He has been a key contributor to our strategy and is familiar with all aspects of our business.”

Foulston was most recently chief financial officer of Compass Minerals International, where he was responsible for accounting, financial planning and reporting, taxes, internal audits, capital investment management and investor relations.

TreeHouse Foods also announced it will close a facility in Delta, British Columbia, and reduce its manufacturing footprint in Battle Creek, Mich. The decision follows an analysis of the company’s plant network to align operations with the current and future needs of its customers and eliminate excess manufacturing capacity, according to a press release.

The Delta facility employs approximately 90 employees and produces frozen griddle products. Production is expected to cease in early 2018. The Battle Creek facility produces ready-to-eat cereal. The partial closure will affect approximately 100 of the current 160 employees over a 15-month period beginning in January. Both the Battle Creek and Delta griddle facilities were part of the company's acquisition of the ConAgra Foods private brands business in February.

TreeHouse Foods also reported third-quarter earnings per fully diluted share of $0.65 compared to $0.65 reported for the third quarter of last year. The company reported adjusted earnings per fully diluted share in the third quarter of $0.70 compared to $0.86 for the third quarter of last year.