US health food manufacturer Smart Balance has appointed an advisor to private-equity firm Oaktree Capital Management to its board.

The maker of the Smart Balance, Earth Balance and Bestlife brands said yesterday (5 July) that Dean Hollis, a senior advisor for Oaktree, will join the company as an independent director.

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Until 2008, Hollis worked at ConAgra Foods, where for 21 years he held positions, including president and chief operating officer for the company’s consumer foods and international units.

Smart Balance has also appointed Thomas McInerney as independent director. McInerney, a managing partner at executive search firm Lindsey & Co, has more than 25 years of business experience in the beverage industry across management, sales, marketing and finance.

“Hollis and McInerney are proven executives with a depth and breadth of knowledge in growing consumer brands and their experience will be valuable to the Company’s future growth prospects.”

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