Food really is the gift that keeps on giving, and Hickory Farms is ensuring that gifting mentality remains strong as it bolsters its executive team. Recently, the food gift retailer announced a changing of the guards as the company named Judy Ransford as the Chief Executive Officer and Harlan Kowitt as the Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, the company noted Diane Pearse will be stepping down from the CEO position.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead the next chapter of transformation at Hickory Farms,” said Ransford. “As the leader of the e-commerce business since 2016, I’ve experienced the love that our customers have for our brand and the exceptional talent and commitment of our team. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this team and continue to accelerate the growth of our business.”
Ransford previously served as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and head of e-commerce since 2016. During Ransford’s tenure at Hickory Farms, she has been instrumental in the company’s transformation to a more modern, digital brand.
The company noted Ransford’s instrumental role at Hickory Farms, as she spearheaded the complete refresh of the 71-year-old company, introduced new and innovative product offerings aimed at a younger demographic, and drove triple-digit growth in the brand’s e-commerce business. In her new role as CEO, Ransford aims to continue growing the company’s presence as an omnichannel retailer, as well as maintain Hickory Farms’ strength in wholesale channels.
Joining Ransford on the promotion train is Kowitt, taking the reins as Chief Financial Officer.
Kowitt recently served as the Interim Chief Financial Officer. He has proven to be a valuable member of the team since October and was brought on in a permanent capacity. Prior to Hickory Farms, Kowitt held multiple senior finance roles at US Foods, including FP&A, Accounting, and Supply Chain Finance. Kowitt’s experience also includes time at Unilever in a variety of finance and purchasing roles, and in Audit with Ernst & Young.
With Ransford’s appointment was also the announcement of Diane Pearse’s retirement from the CEO position.
Pearse announced her retirement from the role, in which she has served for six years, in January. As CEO, Pearse spearheaded three acquisitions—including Wicked Good Cupcakes, Gourmet Gift Concepts, and California Delicious—and transformed the company from a holiday-only tradition to a premier retailer offering expertly curated gifts for any holiday or occasion year-round.
With the recent addition of Wicked Good Cupcakes, a Shark Tank company that Hickory Farms acquired in 2021, the company is expanding its e-commerce portfolio in the growing gifting market.
“Our evolution as a modern, digital gift retailer continues this year with a brand refresh for Wicked Good Cupcakes and product innovations like wine-plus-cupcake pairings,” noted Ransford. The company further noted this brand refresh is slated for later this month.
A round of congratulations to Judy Ransford and Harlan Kowitt on these promotions, and we wish all the best to Diane Pearse as she starts her retirement.
