Former Tyson Foods executive Sally Grimes to lead Clif Bar

US-based energy snack firm Clif Bar & Company has appointed former Tyson Foods executive Sally Grimes as its new CEO, effective 1 June 2020.

Following the appointment, Clif Bar owners and current co-CEOs Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford will remain on the company’s board of directors.

Most recently, Grimes served as group president of Tyson Foods’ $10 billion prepared foods business.

Prior to joining Tyson Foods, Grimes held senior leadership positions at Kraft Foods, Newell Rubbermaid and The Hillshire Brands Company.

According to the press release, Grimes joins Clif Bar as it is poised for its next stage of growth and will apply her 25 years of experience in the food industry to the company’s ‘five aspiration’ business model.

“Growth has a broader meaning at Clif Bar. To us, it’s an opportunity to take care of people, be of service to our communities and help build a more equitable and sustainable food system,” said Erickson, former CEO and founder of Clif Bar.

He added: “Sally’s passion for what makes Clif unique will benefit our company culture and her track record for innovative thinking will help take us to the next level. We are thrilled to have Sally leading us forward.”

Founded nearly 30 years ago, Clif Bar currently offers a wide range of organic, plant-based energy foods including its flagship Clif brand, Clif Kid and Luna.

Newly-appointed CEO Grimes said: “I am honoured to join this extraordinary company at a time when people are looking to brands to lead by example, something Clif Bar has been doing for nearly 30 years.

“Clif is in a unique position to not only innovate, but also drive meaningful change in our food system. Their focus on the long game is inspiring and offers endless potential. I can’t wait to get started.”