Leadership Overview
Utz has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, manufacturing, legal, supply chain, and human resources.
Focused on delivering high-quality snack foods to a diverse retail landscape, Utz maintains a commitment to operational excellence and brand growth. This leadership team drives the company mission to provide iconic snack experiences across North American markets.
Focused on delivering high-quality snack foods to a diverse retail landscape, Utz maintains a commitment to operational excellence and brand growth. This leadership team drives the company mission to provide iconic snack experiences across North American markets.
Leadership Roles at Utz
Howard Friedman - Chief Executive Officer
Howard Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer at Utz, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the snack food manufacturer. Overseeing the integration of diverse brands like Zapp's and Boulder Canyon, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent market expansion across grocery, convenience, and e-commerce channels. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize capital allocation and drive sustainable revenue growth. By prioritizing operational efficiency and brand equity, Howard Friedman shapes the competitive trajectory of the organization within the salty snack industry. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on scaling production capabilities while upholding the quality standards synonymous with the company portfolio. Through rigorous oversight of executive performance and market positioning, Friedman secures the future of the enterprise in a highly dynamic consumer goods environment.
Jennifer Bentz - Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer
Jennifer Bentz, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at Utz, architects the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for the entire snack portfolio. Overseeing product innovation and advertising campaigns, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer drives market penetration across mass merchandisers and specialty retailers. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer trends to refine the positioning of iconic labels such as ON THE BORDER and Hawaiian. By aligning marketing initiatives with shifting retail demands, Jennifer Bentz accelerates brand awareness and strengthens customer loyalty. The Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with sales teams to ensure promotional activities translate into measurable growth. Through the development of targeted digital and traditional marketing programs, Bentz expands the reach of the company across North American markets, ensuring the brand remains a top choice for snack consumers everywhere.
Theresa Shea - Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
Theresa Shea, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Utz, manages all legal affairs, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance for the organization. Overseeing risk mitigation and contract negotiations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary ensures the company operates within the framework of industry standards and federal regulations. This leadership role involves advising the Board on governance matters and protecting the intellectual property of the diverse snack portfolio. By providing strategic legal counsel, Theresa Shea facilitates smooth business operations and supports expansion efforts across various retail channels. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary maintains oversight of corporate records and shareholder communications. Through diligent management of legal challenges and compliance initiatives, Shea safeguards the reputation and assets of the company, ensuring long-term stability and ethical conduct in all business dealings.
James Sponaugle - Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer
James Sponaugle, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at Utz, directs human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development. Overseeing the cultivation of a high-performance culture, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the mission of the company. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures, training programs, and employee engagement initiatives that support the growth of the business. By fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, James Sponaugle drives retention and attracts top talent to the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure staffing levels support operational goals across all manufacturing and administrative functions. Through the implementation of effective human resources policies, Sponaugle strengthens the internal foundation of the company, enabling the team to execute strategic objectives with excellence and dedication.
Shannan Redcay - Executive VP, Manufacturing
Shannan Redcay, the Executive VP, Manufacturing at Utz, directs all production operations and facility management across the company manufacturing network. Overseeing the transformation of raw ingredients into high-quality potato chips, pretzels, and pork skins, the Executive VP, Manufacturing ensures strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. This leadership role involves optimizing plant throughput and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies to meet the demands of wholesale and retail partners. By streamlining production workflows, Shannan Redcay minimizes waste and maximizes operational output. The Executive VP, Manufacturing coordinates with supply chain leadership to maintain consistent inventory levels for grocery and club stores. Through the management of regional production hubs, Redcay supports the company commitment to delivering fresh, reliable snack products to consumers, driving efficiency and excellence throughout the entire manufacturing lifecycle of the organization.
Chad Whyte - Executive VP, Supply Chain
Chad Whyte, the Executive VP, Supply Chain at Utz, directs the logistics, procurement, and distribution networks that move products from manufacturing facilities to retail shelves. Overseeing the complex flow of goods to grocery stores, convenience outlets, and mass merchandisers, the Executive VP, Supply Chain ensures timely delivery and inventory accuracy. This leadership role involves managing relationships with distributors and optimizing transportation routes to reduce costs and improve service levels. By leveraging data-driven insights, Chad Whyte enhances the agility of the supply chain to respond to market fluctuations. The Executive VP, Supply Chain collaborates with manufacturing leadership to align production schedules with consumer demand. Through the strategic management of warehousing and logistics infrastructure, Whyte supports the company goal of maintaining a robust presence in the competitive snack food market, ensuring product availability across all regional operations.
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