Food & Beverages

The Coca‑Cola Company announced that Carlos Pagoaga, a 34-year veteran of the company, will be named Vice President of Global Community Affairs for The Coca‑Cola Company and President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation.

Pagoaga is expected to begin his new duties June 1, succeeding Saadia Madsbjerg. Madsbjerg has served as head of the Foundation for three years and is stepping down to pursue other professional opportunities.

Pagoaga currently serves as the Foundation’s Senior Director, circular economy, where he is responsible for directing global recycling initiatives. In his expanded role, Pagoaga will manage all Foundation operations, which includes grant making; financial requirements; and regulatory compliance for domestic and international philanthropy.

“Carlos has tremendous global experience with the company and will bring a wealth of insights to his expanded role as leader of The Coca‑Cola Foundation,” said Bea Perez, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer at The Coca‑Cola Company. “Carlos will build on the great progress Saadia has made in shaping the strategic direction of the Foundation for the future. I thank Saadia for her service and congratulate Carlos on his new role.”

Pagoaga’s appointment is contingent on formal election by the Foundation board, which is chaired by Perez.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead The Coca‑Cola Foundation and to work with our partners,” Pagoaga said. “I’m deeply proud of the role Coca‑Cola plays in the world and of the Foundation’s contributions to so many groups and communities.”

Pagoaga joined Coca‑Cola in 1990 in Corporate Latin Affairs, where he managed relationships with Latino organizations and elected officials across the United States. He later moved to the company’s North America unit, where he managed multi-cultural communications. 

Darigold, Inc., one of the nation's largest dairy producers, announced that Allan Huttema has been named Chief Executive Officer. Huttema was named Interim CEO in December to replace outgoing CEO, Joe Coote, who left the dairy company with plans to return to his native Australia.

Prior to his appointment as Interim CEO, Huttema had served as a Director of Darigold for nine years, and Chairman of its Board for the last three years. He has been a dairy farmer in Idaho and a Northwest Dairy Association (NDA) member-owner for more than 25 years. With the Board vote completed, Huttema will remain in the CEO role.

"We are at an important time in Darigold's evolution as we near completion of a new processing facility in Central Washington, the largest investment in our co-op's 105-year history, and continue to recover from economic challenges over the last couple of years," said Tony Freeman, Chairman of Darigold's Board of Directors and a Washington dairy farmer. "At this time, the Board believes that Darigold will benefit from continuity of leadership, and that a strong connection between the company and its farmer-owners is important as we look to complete our Pasco project and build the on-farm capacity we will need as we begin operations there. We believe that Allan's background uniquely qualifies him for the CEO role at this time."

"When the Board asked me late last year if I would serve as Interim CEO, I said I would do it. As a dairy farmer myself, I know how important it is to have successful and vibrant Darigold to serve as the marketing and processing arm of our co-op," said Huttema. "To our community of dairy farmers in the region, Darigold isn't just a company, it's the lifeblood of our industry, and it's important to me to help preserve this way of life to which our farmer-owners, me included, have dedicated our lives."

Having accepted the role of CEO, Huttema resigned from the Darigold Board of Directors, and the Board elected Freeman (previously Vice Chair) to replace him as Chair. The Board elected Washington dairy Farmer Mike Schoneveld Vice Chair.

"These changes will help ensure continuity of leadership for Darigold and NDA at a critical time," said Freeman. "We can now keep our organization focused on completing construction of our Pasco facility and building up the farm capacity we'll need to begin operating there – a milestone that should provide new avenues to grow our co-op and help solidify the Northwest as a critical region for dairy production more broadly."

Lotus Foods, a pioneer in heirloom and organic rice cultivation, is delighted to announce that its CEO, Andrew Burke, has been honored with the 2024 MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking. Presented by Big Path Capital, this accolade underscores Burke's visionary leadership and commitment to driving positive change within the industry.

"This award recognizes the great work being done by every member of our team," says Burke. "We are dedicated to scaling our impact and building on the legacy that Ken and Caryl began more than twenty nine years ago."

Andrew Burke assumed the role of CEO in July 2023, succeeding Co-Founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, who were honored for the same award in 2023 for promoting organic and regenerative rice-growing practices. Levine and Lee continue to serve as visionaries on the board. Since arriving at Lotus Foods in 2019, Burke has adeptly navigated the company through challenging times, including the pandemic, efficiently scaling the business. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Lotus Foods' nearly three-decade journey, as the company reaffirms its dedication to advancing sustainable and equitable food systems.

Reflecting on Burke's tenure, Levine and Lee remarked, "Andrew's leadership has been instrumental in propelling Lotus Foods forward, enhancing revenue streams, and attracting top-tier talent. Andrew's strategic vision and unwavering commitment make him the ideal candidate to lead the company into its next phase of evolution, expanding regenerative organic agriculture and combating climate change."

Burke's recognition takes into account his decades of leadership and relevant industry experience prior to taking up the reins at Lotus Foods, including as CEO of TCHO Chocolate. Alongside fellow honorees, Burke joins the 2024 MO 100 cohort, inspiring and empowering businesses to prioritize impact and purpose. This year's honorees reflect the burgeoning momentum of companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.

Michael Whelchel, Founder and CEO of Big Path, lauded the honorees, stating, "The MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking celebrates leaders who harness the power of capitalism to foster shared prosperity. These CEOs are driving transformative change, championing a new paradigm of capitalism that prioritizes positive outcomes for all stakeholders."

Kodiak, the breakfast company known for its high-protein, 100% whole grain products, announced the recent appointment of Steve Katzenberger as Chief Operating Officer and Sonali Dalvi Vice President of Product Development, a newly created role at Kodiak. Both Katzenberger and Sonali will report to CEO, Val Oswalt.

"We are excited to have both Steve and Sonali join the Kodiak team," said Oswalt, CEO. "At Kodiak, we are committed to creating the highest quality offerings to fuel a healthier future, and we know getting the right products in the hands of our consumers starts with the right team. As we welcome Steve and Sonali, we believe the opportunities to innovate and deliver on our brand promise are endless."

Katzenberger joins Kodiak following his tenure at Campbells Soup Company, where he served as SVP, Supply Chain. Prior to that, he held top positions at Hearthside Food Solutions, Kraft Foods and more. Katzenberger's wealth of experience and proven track record of success will be invaluable as the brand continues its growth trajectory.

Katzenberger shared, "Kodiak has already made such remarkable progress and has become one of the biggest players in its industry. By joining this team, I look forward to combining my expertise with the unique position the brand has to continue to propel it forward."

In a monumental addition to Kodiak, Dalvi will be the brand's first ever Vice President of Product Development, reinforcing Kodiak's dedication to creating superior products. Dalvi's experience leading research and development for brands including Olam Food Ingredients, PureCircle, PepsiCo and Quaker Foods will be the driving force behind new innovations, opening a wealth of opportunities for the Kodiak brand.

"I am so honored to be joining Kodiak on their mission to bring nutrient-rich meals to families," said Dalvi, VP, Product Development. "Kodiak has cracked the code in delivering all the essential and beneficial ingredients through their delicious offerings, and I can't wait to begin testing ways we can bring this already incredible portfolio to the next level."