Buitoni Foods names Peter Wilson as president and CEO

Buitoni Food Company (Buitoni Foods) has announced the appointment of Peter Wilson as its new president and CEO.

The company was recently established by Brynwood Partners to acquire the North American business of the Buitoni pasta brand from Nestlé USA.

The deal, which includes the rights to the Buitoni brand in the US, Canada and Caribbean territories, as well as a 240,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Danville, Virginia, was announced in June.

Wilson was previously a managing director at Brynwood, a consumer-focused private equity firm. Prior to that, Peter was president and CEO at Brynwood portfolio companies, including DeMet’s Candy Company and Balance Bar Company. 

At Buitoni Foods, Wilson will be leading a senior management team comprised of several Brynwood veterans. 

Chris Conley has joined the company as CFO after previously working at both Brynwood and the firm’s portfolio company, Newhall Laboratories.  Similarly, newly appointed Buitoni Foods CMO Jim Gerbo previously held that role at Brynwood’s SunnyD business. 

“We have a strong group of experienced executives who have previously reignited similar brands with great heritage,” said Peter Wilson. 

“With Brynwood’s support, I am honoured to lead this management team as we innovate and build on the famous Buitoni foundation of great-tasting, authentic, high-quality foods while leveraging the capabilities of our Danville, Virginia facility.”

Henk Hartong, Brynwood Partners’ chairman and CEO, added: “We are excited to announce the addition of Peter Wilson to the Buitoni Foods team.  Peter has been an amazing leader at Brynwood Partners and our portfolio companies. 

“His extensive background in managing companies with complex manufacturing operations in the food and snack sectors will immediately benefit the Buitoni business.”

Buitoni Food Company says that it continues to build out its management team both at its Stamford, Connecticut and Danville, Virginia locations.