Stryve Foods Names Former Frito-Lay Exec to Chairman Post

Protein snack processor Stryve Foods Inc.’s board of directors has elected former Frito-Lay executive Kevin Vivian to be its new chairman of the board, effective immediately.

Vivian is expected to use his extensive consumer goods background and wealth of industry experience to help drive growth as the company continues its journey toward profitability, a release from Stryve Foods said. Vivian worked for PepsiCo for 32 years, with his final six years there as the senior vice president, National Account Sales, and vice president/general manager of Frito-Lay’s $4 billion immediate consumption business. Vivian expanded Frito-Lay’s business through innovation, expanded distribution and marketing.

Stryve Foods CEO Chris Boever explained that the company is “emerging from the first two phases of our transformation, in which we focused on food quality, brand renovation, maximizing value through productivity, portfolio simplification, enhanced unit economics, and ultimately creating a lean operating culture ready to drive quality growth.” Boever said Stryve’s next phase would center around reaching profitability through quality growth.

Vivian takes the chairman’s helm from Ted Casey, whom the company thanked for his leadership and contributions through the early years of its existence. Casey helped Stryve navigate through significant milestones and laid a strong foundation for the future.