MILWAUKIE, OREGON, U.S. — After 40 years, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods will have a new chief executive.

Dennis Vaughn, a longtime executive of the company, has been promoted to CEO. He succeeds Bob Moore, who will remain active as founder and president of the company but will transition his CEO responsibilities over to Vaughn.

“Dennis and I share a passion for this brand and have worked closely together to grow Bob’s Red Mill into what it is today,” Moore said. “I truly believe there is no better person to lead this company to even greater success, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to manage this business we both know and love.”

Vaughn joined the company in 1999 as director of operations, and later was elevated to senior vice-president of operations and chief operating officer in 2013. During his nearly two decades with Bob’s Red Mill Vaughn has helped drive innovation and production capabilities for strategic new products such as Oatmeal Cups and new Muesli Cups. He also helped increase facility production by nearly 10 times what it was 20 years ago, according to the company.

In his new role as CEO, Vaughn will be responsible for the day-to-day management and future growth of the company. He will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, to which he was elected in 2016, managing the company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) status and philanthropic efforts.

“I am so proud to lead this amazing employee-owned company that has never compromised in its commitment to making the world a better place with healthy, wholesome foods,” Vaughn said. “With such a talented executive team, dedicated staff and Bob by my side, the sky’s the limit for Bob’s Red Mill.”

Moore and his wife, Charlee, founded Bob’s Red Mill in 1978 and today the company is a leader in organic and gluten-free foods. The company’s mission is to promote “whole grain foods for every meal of the day,” and its portfolio of products includes more than 400 items, including whole grains, stone-ground flours, cereals, baking mixes and more.

In 2010, Moore turned the company over to his employees, making Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods an employee-owned company through an ESOP.

Although he is relinquishing his duties as CEO to Vaughn, Moore, 89, intends to remain active at the company. He plans to remain the face of the company while promoting the benefits of whole grains around the world.