A new Chief Executive Officer is stepping up to the plate for specialty ingredient supplier Denali Ingredients. Effective May 6, Jeremy Thompson is taking over the role of President and CEO, stepping in for Neal Glaeser, who is set to retire on August 1, 2024.
“I have been fortunate to have worked with several organizations that have provided for personal and professional growth, and everything I’ve learned about Denali suggests that trend will continue,” said Thompson. “This is an incredibly well-run organization with a commitment to manufacturing excellence that is recognized on a global scale. I look forward to building upon this strong foundation as we continue a strong growth trajectory.”
As a press release explained, Thompson brings to Denali Ingredients an impressive history of growth across his 25-year career, having served the food and beverage industry in roles spanning Global Head of Strategy, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and, most recently, as President of the Taste Division for Florida Food Products (FFP).
Thompson wields a depth of experience spanning leadership positions at multi-billion dollar publicly traded companies and midsize privately owned food ingredient companies alike, driving significant double-digit growth in revenue and EBITDA at multiple organizations.
Thompson will report directly to Tor Osmundsen, Senior Vice President OFI and CEO of Sweet Ingredients, who serves as Chairman of the Board for Denali Ingredients.
“With Denali Ingredients well-integrated into OFI, our group is now targeting further structural growth in the U.S. Adding additional leadership talent and resource to the Denali team has been our final step in preparing for the next phase of OFI’s U.S. expansion,” said Osmundsen.
Until his retirement, Glaeser is set to retain a full-time schedule before shifting to a consultative role as an executive advisor while continuing his role as a member of Denali Ingredients’ Board of Directors.
"I joined the Denali family of companies with enthusiasm and inspired by entrepreneurial ownership who allowed for big, colorful dreams. I am very pleased that the organization retains the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation as I found it to have when I joined decades ago, and I have no doubt the team will thrive under Jeremy’s leadership,” said Glaeser.
Read more about the transition here.
Congratulations to both of these leaders as they take the next step in their careers!
