Two new leaders are joining the fold over at TreeHouse Foods. Recently, the company announced the appointment of two independent Directors to its Board: Jill Rahman, an accomplished senior leader with deep consumer packaged goods strategy, marketing, and operating experience; and Ashley Buchanan, an accomplished retail executive leader with expertise in merchandising and private brands.
“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 release, Rahman currently serves as 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. She also leads Operations, Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Strategic Initiatives. With more than 30 years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry, she has spent her time 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. Rahman currently serves on the Board of Directors for Berry Global, Inc.
Joining Rahman on the Board of Directors, Buchanan currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Michaels Companies. Prior to joining The Michaels Companies, Buchanan served in numerous roles of increasing leadership and responsibility over his 12-year career at Walmart, most recently as Chief Merchant for Walmart U.S. E-Commerce. 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.
“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.”
Prior to his tenure at Walmart, Buchanan held a variety of positions in finance at Dell and spent five years at Accenture focused on the retail industry.
“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.”
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 nine directors will stand for re-election.
Congratulations to Jill Rahman and Ashley Buchanan on their latest appointment!
