SunOpta, Inc. is a supplier of organic and non-GMO specialty products.
In his role with Diamond Foods, Colo was responsible for marketing, innovation, R&D, operations, supply chain, procurement, quality, food safety, grower services and contract manufacturing. Together with the Diamond Foods executive team, he was responsible for leading the turnaround of the company and its eventual sale for approximately $1.9 billion to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. in March 2016.
“After a thorough search, we are pleased to announce the hiring of an exceptional leader and operator, with a proven track record in the food industry,” said Dean Hollis, chairman of SunOpta’s board. “David is a very talented executive and I have seen first-hand, on several occasions, his leadership, business intensity and operational skills.
“During his time at Diamond Foods, David was also intimately involved with our partner, Oaktree Capital Management, so we expect an extremely efficient integration into his role of leading the company and its value creation plan.”
Colo replaces Rik Jacobs, the former president and CEO, who stepped down from the position this past November. Katrina L. Houde was interim president and CEO as the company searched for a replacement. With the hiring of Colo, Houde will return to the company’s board of directors, where she has served since 2000.
