PARSIPPANY — The Board of Directors of Parsippany-based B&G Foods, Inc. has appointed Robert “Rob” D. Mills as president and chief executive officer. Mills, who has served as a member of B&G Foods’ Board of Directors since March 2018, succeeds Casey Keller, who retired as president, chief executive officer and a director at the end of last week.
Mills is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of broad operating and leadership experience and a demonstrated track record of driving growth and long-term strategy. He also has extensive experience in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and business development, including evaluating, acquiring and integrating businesses.
Mills’ appointment comes as B&G Foods continues to focus on reshaping its portfolio, improving margins and cash flow, reducing debt and leverage, and strengthening its business performance to position the company for sustainable long-term growth.
Stephen C. Sherrill, chair of the Board of Directors of B&G Foods, stated, “Rob is uniquely positioned to lead B&G Foods at this important point in the company’s evolution. Rob’s eight years as a member of our Board give him a deep understanding of our business, our brands, our people and challenges and opportunities ahead of us. Just as importantly, Rob brings a proven ability to lead transformation, operate at scale and translate strategy into execution, which will allow him to move quickly from day one. Rob is a decisive leader who brings a strong sense of urgency, accountability and a bias for action. The Board believes Rob has the right capabilities and leadership approach to accelerate B&G Foods’ strategic priorities, strengthen performance and create long-term value for our stockholders.”
Mills stated, “I am incredibly honored to step into the role of CEO at B&G Foods. I look forward to partnering with B&G Foods’ very talented and dedicated workforce and the Board to build on the company’s strengths and accelerate our strategy. My immediate priorities will be execution, operating discipline and accelerating growth. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to bring additional capabilities to B&G Foods. Throughout my career, I have seen how digital, data, technology and increasingly artificial intelligence can be used to drive growth, improve productivity, make faster and better decisions and transform how companies operate.”
Mills joins B&G Foods from Tractor Supply Company, where he held senior executive leadership roles with increasing responsibility since 2014, spanning strategy, business operations, digital commerce, technology, artificial intelligence and mergers and acquisitions, with direct profit and loss accountability. He most recently served as executive vice president, chief technology officer, digital and pet services. In that role, Mills was responsible for setting the technology direction for Tractor Supply Company, providing leadership for all digital operations, and facilitating long-term strategic direction, including mergers and acquisitions. He was also responsible for the veterinary and pet pharmacy businesses of Tractor Supply Company, along with the Petsense retail business.
