US group J. Skinner Baking has appointed food-industry veteran David Kowal as its CEO.
Kowal’s most recent executive role was chief executive at US pet-food supplier BrightPet Nutrition Group, where he led the business for three years up to 2024.
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His career includes more than a decade at another US bakery business, Dawn Food Products, as well as four years at Pillsbury.
J. Skinner, headquartered in Nebraska, is owned by private-equity firm Stellex Capital Management.
Kowal said: “My focus will be on accelerating innovation, deepening our market impact for growth, and fostering a culture where bold ideas thrive. Together, we will chart a course towards sustainable growth and long-term success.”
J. Skinner, with 800 employees, makes pastries and ready-to-eat baked goods sold through grocery in-store bakeries and foodservice providers. It is also a co-manufacturer.
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By GlobalDataJoining Kowal on the executive team is Dave Meltzer, who will assume the role of chief commercial officer at J. Skinner. Meltzer has been chief sales officer at Teasdale Latin Foods since 2022.
Meltzer added: “I see tremendous potential to deepen customer relationships, expand into new markets, and build a commercial strategy that is both bold and sustainable.”
Established in 1983, J. Skinner has grown to become one of the “largest” in-store bakery providers in the US, with its products available in more than 30,000 retail locations nationwide, according to Stellex.
Stellex acquired J. Skinner, which was previously family-owned, in June last year. At the time of the deal, Audie Keaton was J Skinner’s chief executive.
