Two new independent Directors were recently appointed to TreeHouse Foods’ Board of Directors. Jill Rahman and Ashley Buchanan will be stepping in, expanding the leadership team to 12 Directors.
“My background in marketing, strategic planning, and operations, along with my insights and perspective in consumer-packaged goods, are a strong fit for TreeHouse, and I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding senior management team and the Board,” said Rahman.
According to the company’s release, Rahman has more than 30 years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry at companies including The Kraft Heinz Company, Newell Brands, and Conagra Brands. She most recently served as the President of the International division at Conagra Brands from 2016 until her retirement in June 2020.
Joining the Board with Rahman, Buchanan will be bringing over 17 years of experience as he has served in numerous roles of increasing leadership and responsibility for over 12 years at Walmart Inc., most recently as Chief Merchant for Walmart U.S. eCommerce. He also served as the Chief Merchant at Sam’s Club, where he led a merchandising team and oversaw activities including assortment, private brand strategy, pricing, global sourcing, packaging, replenishment, and supply chain. Buchanan has also served in a broad set of senior merchandising roles at Walmart Inc.
“Private label represents a significant opportunity for both retailers and manufacturers,” said Buchanan. “Having led the merchandising and operations functions, as well as the e-commerce strategic initiatives, for Walmart and Sam’s Club for a number of years, I see tremendous promise and potential here at TreeHouse and look forward to providing relevant insights and contributions to the Board.”
In connection with these appointments, the Board will temporarily expand to 12 directors. As part of the Board’s plan for orderly governance transition, at the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting, it is anticipated that three directors will stand for reelection.
“We are very pleased to welcome Jill and Ashley to the Board. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and insights they will contribute, as they both bring extensive experience in the food and retail industries that will be valuable as the Company continues to refine its strategy and deliver shareholder value,” said Gary D. Smith, Chairman of the Board. “The appointments of Ms. Rahman and Mr. Buchanan reinforce our commitment to refreshment and corporate governance as we plan for upcoming retirements in 2021.”
Rahman is an accomplished senior leader with deep consumer packaged goods strategy, marketing, and operating experience. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which includes a network of more than 700 partner organizations that work together to bring food, dignity, and hope across Chicago, where she leads Operations, Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Strategic Initiatives.
From 2016–2020, Rahman served on the Board of Directors as Chairman for Agro Tech Foods, a publicly traded affiliate of Conagra Brands in India. Rahman currently serves on the Board of Directors for Berry Global. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and her Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Buchanan is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Michaels Companies after his tenure at Walmart. Before his time at Walmart, Buchanan held a variety of positions in finance at Dell and spent five years at Accenture focused on the retail industry. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and real estate, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University.
Congratulations to Jill Rahman and Ashley Buchanan on joining the Board!