Utz Brands has named a successor to Dylan Lissette, the CEO who took it public and established it as a major national salty snack brand.
Lissette will be succeeded by Howard Friedman, currently chief operating officer of Post Holdings. His appointment will be effective Dec. 15. Lissette will become executive chairman of the board, transitioning to non-executive chairman in the second quarter of next year.
Lissette joined Utz in 1995 and has served as its CEO since 2013. During his tenure, Utz became a public company, making several major acquisitions and nearly tripling its sales. Its brands now include Zapp’s, TGI Friday’s and On the Border.
Friedman was president and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, the cereal arm of Post Holdings, from 2018 to 2021. He became executive vice president and COO of Post Holdings in September 2021.
“I am thrilled we found such an excellent leader in Howard to help take Utz to even greater heights,” Lissette said in a statement. “Howard brings extensive experience increasing market share and unlocking growth potential, with a focus on building innovative brands and strategic business development.”
