Village Gourmet, a US-based producer of fine meats, charcuterie, and specialty snacking products, has appointed Jim Leighton as its new CEO.
Leighton, whose appointment was effective 9 June, succeeds David Kemp.
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Kemp has been the CEO since January 2020 and will continue to be part of the board of directors and a partner in the business.
In a statement issued on 24 June, Village Gourmet said Leighton has over 30 years of experience in “growing” food and consumer packaged goods companies through “operational excellence, brand innovation, and market expansion”.
His background includes senior executive roles at Perdue Farms, Boulder Brands, Ingham’s Group, and Conagra Foods.
According to Kemp, Leighton’s “proven ability to lead purpose driven food companies and deliver results makes him the ideal leader for Village Gourmet as we enter our next phase of growth”.
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By GlobalDataLeighton credited Kemp for “bringing together and scaling five authentic heritage brands to shape what we now proudly know as Village Gourmet”.
Village Gourmet, backed by private equity, owns Three Little Pigs, Fabrique Délices, and Longhini Sausage, along with Uncle Charley’s Sausage Co., and Esposito’s Finest Quality Sausage brands.
The company has been expanding its portfolio since its inception in 2015 with the acquisition of Three Little Pigs.
In August 2021, Quad-C Management, a middle market private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in Village Gourmet.
Over the next five years, the company completed four additional acquisitions, each adding a new specialty heritage brand to its portfolio.
Under Leighton’s leadership, Village Gourmet plans to continue exploring “new growth opportunities”.
Commenting on his appointment, Leighton said: “I am honoured to join a company with such strong brands and dedicated people.
“Village Gourmet has a unique place in the market, and I look forward to working with the team to continue delivering excellence for our customers and partners.”
