Groupe Bonduelle Fresh Americas has named Bobby Chacko as its new CEO, effective immediately, following the departure of Andrea Montagna.
Montagna had served as the company’s CEO since 2021.
“During his time as CEO of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, Andrea led the company to become a Certified B Corp, while driving branded Bistro bowl growth and efficiencies,” Xavier Unkovic, Global CEO for France-based Groupe Bonduelle, said in a news release. “I appreciate Andrea’s many contributions to the company and wish him continued success.”
Chacko, who will also become a member of Groupe Bonduelle’s global leadership team, will report to Unkovic, the company said.
“Bobby brings a dynamic expertise in consumer goods powered by an impressive track record in new product innovation, marketing and growing market share to Bonduelle Fresh Americas,” Unkovic said. “I am confident that his background and acumen position him well to lean into the mission of Bonduelle and accelerate the growth of fresh plant-rich meal solutions in the U.S.”
Chacko has held senior leadership roles with global companies including The Coca-Cola Co., Mars Inc., ABInbev and Ocean Spray, according to the release. He was most recently managing partner of Ageya Management LLC and has held CEO and board positions with The TruRoots Co. and Ocean Spray Cranberries.
“I see Bonduelle Fresh Americas as an innovative company with a relevant mission to inspire the transition to plant-rich foods and deliver only the highest quality products,” Chacko said in the release. “This mission and focus are strong differentiators to build upon, to drive category growth and consumer delight. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to drive growth for the company and the brand.”
In the U.S. market, the Irwindale, Calif.-based Bonduelle Fresh Americas produces a range of fresh-cut salads, fresh-cut vegetables and fresh prepared meals for the retail and foodservice segments. It operates four U.S. processing and distribution facilities in California, New Jersey and Georgia. It also has business offices in Salinas, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., that support its grower partners.
