Utz Executive and Leadership Team

Howard Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer at Utz, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the snack food manufacturer. Friedman oversees the integration of diverse snack brands into a unified market presence, ensuring consistent growth across grocery, convenience, and mass merchandiser channels. By aligning executive leadership with the core mission of delivering quality potato chips, pretzels, and specialty snacks, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and financial performance. Friedman manages high-level relationships with the Board and investors to secure sustainable expansion. Through rigorous oversight of market trends and consumer demand, the Chief Executive Officer positions the organization to capture greater market share in the competitive salty snack industry. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of portfolio performance and strategic resource allocation to maintain the company's status as a premier provider of snacks across North America.

Jennifer Bentz, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at Utz, architects the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for the entire snack portfolio. Bentz oversees the marketing initiatives for iconic labels including Zapp's, ON THE BORDER, and Boulder Canyon, ensuring each brand resonates with target demographics in grocery and e-commerce channels. By analyzing consumer behavior and market data, the Chief Marketing Officer develops campaigns that increase brand loyalty and drive sales volume. Bentz collaborates with product development teams to launch innovative snack offerings that meet evolving dietary preferences. This role involves managing advertising budgets and digital presence to maximize return on investment across all retail platforms. Jennifer Bentz ensures that the marketing strategy remains agile, responding effectively to competitive pressures while maintaining the heritage and quality associated with the company's diverse range of salty snacks and dips.

James Sponaugle, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at Utz, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Sponaugle oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management programs across all manufacturing and corporate locations. By fostering a culture of excellence and safety, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's operational goals and quality standards. Sponaugle manages compensation structures and professional development pathways to attract and retain top industry talent. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to support organizational growth and change management during business expansions. James Sponaugle drives initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, strengthening the company's internal foundation. Through effective leadership of the human resources function, the Chief People Officer supports the overall productivity and long-term success of the organization in the competitive snack food sector.

Theresa Shea, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Utz, directs the legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance functions. Shea oversees all legal matters, including contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and risk management for the company's diverse snack brands. By ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and corporate governance standards, the Chief Legal Officer protects the organization's reputation and operational integrity. Shea manages the relationship with the Board of Directors, facilitating effective communication and corporate record-keeping as Corporate Secretary. This role involves navigating complex legal landscapes to support mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Theresa Shea drives initiatives that mitigate legal exposure while enabling business growth and innovation. Through expert legal counsel and diligent oversight of corporate affairs, the Chief Legal Officer provides the necessary framework for the company to operate securely and ethically within the competitive snack food industry.

Chad Whyte, the Executive VP, Supply Chain at Utz, directs the end-to-end logistics and distribution network required to deliver snack products to retailers nationwide. Whyte oversees the complex movement of goods from production facilities to grocery stores, convenience outlets, and membership clubs. By optimizing inventory management and transportation routes, the Executive VP, Supply Chain ensures product availability and freshness for consumers. Whyte manages relationships with third-party distributors and logistics partners to maintain a seamless flow of inventory across the North American market. This role involves mitigating supply chain risks and implementing technology solutions to enhance visibility and responsiveness. Chad Whyte drives cost-efficiency initiatives that support the company's bottom line while maintaining high service levels for retail partners. Through strategic planning and execution, the Executive VP, Supply Chain guarantees that the company's diverse snack portfolio reaches shelves efficiently and reliably.

Shannan Redcay, the Executive VP, Manufacturing at Utz, directs the production operations and facility management for the company's extensive snack food portfolio. Redcay oversees the manufacturing processes for potato chips, pretzels, pork skins, and other snack items, ensuring adherence to strict quality control and safety protocols. By implementing advanced production technologies and lean manufacturing principles, the Executive VP, Manufacturing drives operational efficiency and reduces waste across all plants. Redcay manages capital investments in machinery and infrastructure to increase capacity and support new product launches. This role involves coordinating with supply chain and marketing teams to align production schedules with market demand. Shannan Redcay ensures that all manufacturing sites operate at peak performance, maintaining the high standards expected by retail partners and consumers. Through rigorous oversight of production metrics, the Executive VP, Manufacturing secures the consistent quality and availability of the company's diverse snack offerings.