PLYMOUTH, Wis. – Sargento Foods Inc. announces the hiring of Joy Judski as Director of Sales, Stephen Lowther as the Senior Marketplace Insights Manager, Annette Lorenz as a National Accounts Sales Manager, Lynn Webb as a National Customer Business Manager and Chelsie Niehoff as an Associate Marketing Manager—Alternate Channels in the Consumer Products Division.
As Director of Sales, Joy will be responsible for managing key customers such as Meijer, Giant Eagle, AWG, Roundy’s, Super Valu, Target and the Sargento military business.
“Joy’s extensive experience, knowledge of the industry and strong track record of success will help us drive sales,” said Louie Gentine, Chief Executive Officer at Sargento. “We know her expertise will be a valuable addition to the sales team.”
A seasoned sales and marketing professional, Joy comes to Sargento from Lactalis Retail Dairy, a large, international dairy products company in Buffalo, N.Y. She spent more than 12 years at Lactalis advancing through a number of different positions, including her most recent, Director of Trade Marketing and Category Management.
Joy earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and sales from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y.
As Senior Marketplace Insights Manager, Stephen will be responsible for planning and directing marketplace measurement and advanced analytics activities. He will work collaboratively with marketing, sales, finance and the Nielsen on-site team.
“Stephen’s strong analytics background will greatly contribute to the insights team,” said Louie Gentine. “We look forward to welcoming Stephen to the Sargento family and watching the division grow with his guidance.”
Stephen comes to Sargento from the Clorox Company in Oakland, Calif. where he served as Global Insights Manager. His career also included several roles at Information Resources, Inc. in Chicago, most recently as Director of the Analytics Insights Group. Stephen earned his Masters of Science in physics from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn. and his bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the University of Maine in Orono.
As a National Accounts Sales Manager, Annette will be a key member of the Kroger Customer Team responsible for the Sargento Enterprise Sales Plan and the downstream execution in the Midwest and Southeast regions. Her responsibilities will include developing strong customer relationships, coaching and motivating sales agency partners, and executing trade plans and corporate initiatives.
“Annette is a seasoned sales professional, and we are excited to have her join the Kroger Customer Team,” said Louie Gentine. “With her expertise and strong relationship-building skills, Annette will be a welcome addition to Sargento and the Consumer Products Division.”
Annette comes to Sargento from Hormel Foods in Cincinnati, Ohio where she served in a variety of roles, most recently as Senior Customer Executive. Annette earned her Bachelor of Science degree in consumer packaged goods from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. She has also been a member of several honor societies and professional organizations.
As a National Customer Business Manager, Lynn will be responsible for managing the sale of Sargento products, developing markets and building customer relationships. She will be a key member of the Sales Team-West.
Lynn’s accolades include the Platinum Mile Award, which recognizes her mile-long gain in retail shelf space. She’s one of only five sales professionals in the U.S. to earn that achievement.
“Lynn’s knowledge of the consumer packaged goods industry will be an asset to Sargento,” said Louie Gentine. “We look forward to welcoming her to the Sales Team-West.”
With more than 15 years in the consumer packaged goods industry serving as a sales professional and account manager, Lynn has worked for McCormick & Company in Sparks, Md., along with Campbell Sales Company in Camden, N.J. She earned her bachelor’s degree in management from California State University in Chico, Calif. and has taken a number of professional development courses.
As an Associate Marketing Manager on the Alternate Channels Marketing Team, Chelsie will partner with the Club Channel Sales Team to develop and execute marketing plans for Sargento Club Channel customers.
“Chelsie understands the ins and outs of marketing and strategic management,” said Louie Gentine. “We know Chelsie’s experience will make her an outstanding contributor to the Consumer Products Division Marketing Team and the broader Sargento family.”
Chelsie comes to Sargento from Sun Products Corporation in Wilton, Conn. where she most recently held the position of Assistant Brand Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Science in business management from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., graduating cum laude with concentrations in marketing and strategic management.
About Sargento Foods Inc.
Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based meal solutions for more than 60 years. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $1 billion. For more information, please visit www.sargento.com.
Source: Sargento Foods Inc.
