LEAWOOOD, KANSAS, U.S. —Agspring announced on Aug. 26 the recent hiring of three industry veterans in its growing organization. Chris Cairo is leading the Firebird Artisan Mills team as vice-president, Don Franke has been named Firebird plant manager and Jeff Siewert has taken on the role of financial controller at Agspring. Firebird Artisan Mills, based in Harvey, North Dakota, U.S., is a subsidiary of Agspring focused on supplying specialized food ingredients to the consumer packaged goods industry.

“The depth of industry knowledge and leadership expertise these three individuals bring to the organization is immense,” said Brad Clark, president of Agspring. “We’re committed to continue building an exceptional team with entrepreneurial vision that will help us grow into new markets and benefit our customers and industry partners.”

Cairo brings management and marketing skills to his new role in leading the Firebird team. Previously, Cairo was with Scoular Company where he led marketing, account development and the growth of the co-packing business. With 40 years of industry experience, Cairo has a wide-ranging background in sourcing, export and energy sectors, which includes nearly two decades with Continental Grain.

Franke assumed the role of Firebird plant manager in June. With more than 30 years of flour milling management experience with companies such as Seaboard Corporation, Milner Milling and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Franke has invaluable knowledge and leadership strengths, Agspring said.

As a financial controller for Agspring, Siewert brings financial and leadership capabilities gained in a 34-year career at General Mills where he held a variety of corporate and supply chain financial roles. Siewert’s diverse financial background included time in grain operations where he developed a deep understanding of grain markets.