Exciting news is afoot for Sargento as it announces the retirement of two esteemed Executive Vice Presidents and the appointment of a new Chief. Third-generation family owner Mike McEvoy will retire from his position as Executive Vice President of Operations and Kristi Jankowski will retire from her long-held position as Executive Vice President of Innovation. Michael Pellegrino will step in as Chief Operating Officer.
"The Sargento Family and I have been blessed to have the leadership and companionship of Mike and Kristi. We're grateful for their years of service and for the continued advisory roles they will hold through 2024," commented Louie Gentine, Chief Executive Officer. "We also look forward to a successful road ahead with Michael Pellegrino as our Chief Operating Officer. Based on his proven track record, we know he will deliver against our ambitious growth plan while realizing our vision to the most innovative, best-loved real food company."
The new Chief Operating Officer, Michael Pellegrino, joined Sargento in 2009. During his tenure he has held various executive positions including his most recent role as President and Chief Growth Officer. In his newly appointed role as Chief Operating Officer, his expanded responsibilities will include leadership for the Business Units, Operations, Innovation, Sales, Supply Chain and Strategic Planning.
He has already accelerated the growth of the Sargento brand to become a national market-share leader in the retail cheese category.
Pellegrino has also led best-in-class integrated marketing campaigns that have made Sargento one of the most recognized brands in the dairy case.
Mike McEvoy joined Sargento in 1997. According to a release, he held a variety of positions at the company, including Trade Promotion Manager, Marketing Manager, Vice President of Sales, President of Food Ingredients Division, and has led the Operations Team since 2013.
Kristi Jankowski has been with Sargento since 1999. Under her leadership as EVP of Innovation the past 14 years, Kristi and her team have generated almost $3 billion in revenue for the company while enhancing its reputation as a category-leading innovator.
Congratulations to these leaders on this next steps in their lives!
