Chobani adds Kellogg exec & advertising veteran to leadership mix

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — Greek yogurt brand Chobani has appointed former Kellogg executive David Denholm as the company’s president and COO, effective July 29. The company has also appointed Peter McGuinness as chief marketing and brand officer, effective July 22.

The company will look to the two executive leaders to help it focus on growth strategies and capitalize on the momentum behind the brand, which reached more than $1 billion in sales since its launch in 2007.

"I founded Chobani with a vision to create something lasting — a company that creates nutritious, delicious products made with only natural ingredients for everyone," said Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO. "David and Peter share my passion and entrepreneurial spirit. I am confident their business intelligence, knowledge of the global consumer and vision is exactly what we need as we continue to grow our business."

Denholm has more than 20 years of consumer packaged goods experience in the United States and in key growth markets like Asia, most recently as president, U.S. Morning Foods, and SVP, Kellogg Company since Jan. 2011. He was a member of the company’s global leadership team and also the executive sponsor of KMERG. Denholm joined Kellogg in 2003 as director, business development. In 2004, he was promoted to general manager for Kashi, and then promoted to managing director, Kellogg Australia/New Zealand in 2006. He was promoted to president, Kellogg Asia Pacific in September 2008.

"Chobani is a once-in-a-lifetime company — equal parts vision, passion, goodness and performance. I am deeply honored to join Hamdi and the rest of the organization as we prepare to enter our next chapter," said Denholm.

McGuinness is credited with shaping, growing and transforming some of the world's most iconic brands, most recently as president and CEO of DDB Chicago. Chobani cites his passion for marketing and his more than 20 years of advertising experience as key factors why the company will look to him to help it solidify its leadership within the category and evolution as a global brand.

"The Chobani brand is remarkable — both pure and powerful. It can only go further," stated McGuinness. "I've long admired this company and the phenomenal people behind it and am excited about the opportunity to help guide and continue to grow the Chobani brand."

Both executives will work closely with Ulukaya and the rest of Chobani's management council to increase the company's category leadership, enhance efficiencies and continue to foster the entrepreneurial, value-driven culture for which the brand is known. Ulukaya will continue to serve as CEO, staying closely connected to all aspects of the business while setting the long-term strategic vision.