4505 Meats, maker of premium pork rinds and high protein/low carb snacks, hired two top executives with entrepreneurial backgrounds away from Conagra's Thanasi Foods business. Erik Havlick was named CEO and Greg O'Neal is new Chief Marketing Officer.
Havlick along with his brother co-founded Duke's Freshly Craft Smoked Meats and Bigs Sunflower Seeds, which morphed into Thanasi Foods. O'Neal joined the team as a partner and head of marketing. Both brands were both acquired by Conagra in 2017.
Since then, Havlick and O'Neal have consulted for entrepreneurial food companies, including serving on the 4505 board of advisors. 4505 Meats was founded in 2009 by chef, butcher and author Ryan Farr, who will remain chairman but will focus on his San Francisco restaurant and third book.
