B&G Foods names Cantwell CEO

Branded packaged food supplier B&G Foods elevated EVP and CFO Robert Cantwell to the role of CEO effective Jan. 1.



Cantwell, 57, a long time B&G employee, succeeds David Wenner, 64, in the top job following Wenner’s decision earlier this year to retire. Wenner will remain on the board and the company has begun a search for a new CFO.



“Bob Cantwell has been a key member of our management team for more than 30 years. His strong leadership skills, breadth of experience, financial expertise, integrity and passion for our business have been invaluable as B&G Foods has grown from a small, regional pickle company to a leading public food company with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands,” said Stephen Sherrill, chairman of the board at B&G. “Bob’s long list of accomplishments, including in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, operational improvements and cost reduction efforts, has helped lead to tremendous value creation for B&G Foods’ stockholders over the years in the form of dividends and stock price appreciation. Bob Cantwell is uniquely qualified to be the next CEO of B&G Foods and to lead the company through its next phase of growth.”



Cantwell spent four years at Deloitte & Touche before joining B&G Foods in 1983 as an assistant VP finance. He was promoted to his current position in 1991.



B&G’s product portfolio includes notable brands such as Ac’cent, B&M, Baker’s Joy, Cream of Wheat, Emeril’s, Joan of Arc, Molly McButter, Mrs. Dash, Ortega, Polaner, Trappey’s and Wright’s.