Diamond Gains CEO from Hostess, Kraft, P&G

Diamond Foods, Inc. announces the appointment of food and beverage industry veteran Brian J. Driscoll as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 8, 2012. Driscoll, who will join the Diamond Board of Directors, replaces Rick G. Wolford, a Director who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 7, 2012 while the company conducted a nationwide search for a permanent Chief Executive.

 

"We are delighted to welcome Brian to Diamond Foods and believe that his proven management skills and his experience over a 30 year career with leading food and consumer businesses such as Kraft, Nabisco, Nestl and Procter & Gamble, and most recently at Hostess Brands, Inc., make him a perfect choice for Diamond," says Robert J. Zollars, Diamond's Chairman.

 

Driscoll began his career in 1980 in sales with Procter & Gamble, and joined Nestl Foods in 1985. During his ten years with Nestl, Driscoll assumed increasing responsibilities culminating with his promotion to Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. Roast and Coffee Division. In 1995, Nabisco recruited him to the position of President-Sales and Integrated Logistics. In 1998, he was appointed to lead the Biscuit Direct Store Delivery Sales and Customer Service organization. Driscoll joined Kraft with its acquisition of Nabisco as Executive Vice President for Field Sales and Integrated Logistics. During his tenure with Kraft, he held a number of executive positions overseeing customer business teams, retail sales and customer marketing. He rose to the position of President of Sales, Customer Service. In June 2010, he was recruited to lead Hostess Brands where he served as Chief Executive Officer until March of this year.