Utz Brands Invests in Supply Chain Optimization With Two New Hires
Utz Brands, Inc., is investing in short- and long-term goals, including optimizing its supply chain and elevating integrated business operations.
To do so, the company tapped Mitchell Arends as its EVP, chief integrated supply chain officer, and Cary Devore, as its EVP, chief operating and transformation officer.
In his new role, Arends will drive accelerated supply chain optimization across procurement, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and planning. This will build on progress from the last two years, during which the company scaled its productivity program to implement new processes and capabilities and elevate service levels.
Utz’s Supply Chain Evolution
After the company went public in 2020, Dylan Lissette, then-CEO, said there hadn’t been much difference in how the business operates. However, Utz has since shifted its strategies, investing more in marketing and media to drive its brands and elevating supply chain and productivity to support the expansion, focusing on manufacturing efficiencies, logistics, and packaging and product design, and it’s transforming how it approaches demand and supply planning.
Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz, said Arend’s supply chain leadership track record will help the company further optimize its networks, adding that Arend will be working closely with the company’s manufacturing and supply chain leadership team to achieve goals.
“Given the significant opportunity ahead of us, Mitch’s leadership and expertise will enhance our ability to execute with excellence at speed,” he said.
Devore will be overseeing the more large-scale transformation initiatives, leveraging his seven years of experience at Utz to navigate the impact of long-term strategies.
Friedman said Devore helped the company transition from a smaller private to a larger publicly traded company, making him the “perfect partner to deliver this work stream and elevate total company performance.”
“I believe that these appointments will significantly strengthen the company’s ability to deliver our strategic priorities, unlock further potential, and help drive our short- and long-term growth objectives,” said Friedman.
These appointments take effect on November 27.
