As of August 20, a new Director joined Utz Brands’ board. William “B.J.” Werzyn Jr. is stepping up to the role following the retirement of Michael W. Rice. Rice will continue to participate in board activities as an observer.
William Werzyn, Jr. (“B.J.”) is the Executive Chairman, Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of West Shore Home. West Shore is one of the largest direct-to-consumer home remodelers in the nation with over 41 locations in 21 states, a press release explained. This experience offers him a unique perspective to bring to the CPG space.
Werzyn has served as CEO of West Shore since 2006, and has also served as the company’s Executive Chairman since October 2020. West Shore currently employs more than 3,000 people and has annual revenue of more than $750 million. In 2022, under Werzyn’s leadership, West Shore launched the nonprofit organization, West Shore for Warriors with the mission to serve U.S. veterans, active military members, and their families.
“The Board is thrilled to have identified B.J. Werzyn, a Pennsylvania native and business leader, as the replacement for Mike’s Board seat,” said Dylan Lissette, Chairperson. “B.J.’s entrepreneurial background and his technology experience combined with his business acumen, will be an invaluable addition to our Board.”
Werzyn replaces Michael W. Rice, who recently stepped down from his role.
Rice was often quoted as saying, “Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves. Pay attention to the details,” a mantra that has lived on and is often repeated among Utz associates.
Rice served Utz in numerous positions during a career that spanned well over 50 years. He formally joined the family business in 1968, and became Executive Vice President in 1970, President and Chief Executive Officer in 1978, and Chairperson and CEO in 1992.
In 2012, Rice turned the day-to-day senior leadership for the then family-owned company to Dylan Lissette, a fourth-generation family member through marriage. Utz became a publicly traded company in 2020, after which Rice served as a Director and Chairperson Emeritus on the Utz Brands Board of Directors.
Congratulations to these leaders on their next steps!
