US rice-products company Lundberg Family Farms has promoted Suzanne Sengelmann from chief growth officer to CEO.
Sengelmann, the first woman to hold the top job at the business, replaces Craig Stevenson, who was the company’s first CEO from outside the founding family.
In a statement, the California-headquartered company said Sengelmann, who joined in 2022, has overseen the creation of a “bold”, company-wide growth strategy.
Lundberg also attributed to her work that it said has “strengthened” its Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) leadership position” and “redefined” the brand’s voice.
Sengelmann said: “It is an exciting time to take the lead at a company that has been doing good and doing well for generations. As retailers and operators are looking for proof points that sustainability sells, we are providing the proof.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, before joining Lundberg, Sengelmann worked as CEO of Sensitive Home from September 2019 to October 2022 and was chief brand officer at Oh My Green between November 2019 and July 2020.
Her career also includes a stint as as CMO of Angie’s Boomchickapop popcorn from March 2016 to January 2018.
Sengelmann's appointment follows what Lundberg described as “notable” growth since its first ROC rice arrived on shelves in April 2024.
Lundberg said it sells nationwide through natural, mainstream and club retailers, and it works with Sweetgreen and Amy’s Kitchen on other products.
It also said 19,000 acres managed by the company and its farm partners are now ROC, exceeding its stated aim to transition all of its organic acres by 2027.
Bryce Lundberg, Lundberg Family Farms vice president of agriculture, said: “For over 85 years, our family has cared for the land as if our lives depended on it, because they do. Earning Regenerative Organic Certified across our organic acres affirms that thoughtful stewardship can align with strong business performance.
“Under Suzanne’s leadership, we are excited to continue proving that when you invest in the soil, the environment, and people, you’re also investing in long‑term growth.”
