Bonduelle Fresh Americas Names Cargill Veteran Mary Thompson Chief Executive Officer

IRWINDALE, Calif. and VILLENEUVE-D'ASCQ, France, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bonduelle Fresh Americas, home to the Ready Pac Foods brand and the newest business unit of Bonduelle (BON.PA), today announced the appointment of Mary Thompson to chief executive officer, effective Oct. 8. She will lead the day-to-day management of Bonduelle Fresh Americas and develop a strategic vision and approach for profitable growth, giving consumers across the Americas more ways to get fresh vegetables and plant-based foods. She will also be a member of the Bonduelle Group Management Committee (GMC), which ensures the implementation of policies across all Bonduelle businesses.

"Mary's appointment ushers in an exciting time for Bonduelle Fresh Americas. Her experience leading multi-billion dollar agribusinesses in North America and Europe make her an ideal leader for this business unit," said Daniel Vielfaure, Bonduelle Group Deputy CEO. "We believe the global perspective and holistic approach she brings to the business will help drive Bonduelle Fresh Americas to greater growth and profitability in support of Bonduelle's long-term ambition."

Thompson comes to Bonduelle Fresh Americas with more than 25 years of experience leading various business segments at agribusiness leader Cargill, a global, business-to-business company. Throughout her career, she held leadership roles with responsibility for core business functions including commercial, manufacturing, supply chain and technology in Europe, Asia and North America.

In her most recent role, Mary was president and managing director of Cargill Meats Europe with 3,000 employees in the United Kingdom, France and Russia serving European retail, foodservice and food manufacturers with fresh and frozen chicken products. There, she led a business strategy involving new business planning tools, plant modernization and organizational restructuring, which drove growth for the business.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to join a successful business like Bonduelle Fresh Americas with its decades-long history of providing healthy, delicious and convenient meal solutions, all while demonstrating deep respect for the environment," said Mary Thompson, CEO, Bonduelle Fresh Americas. "My vision is that we continue to grow profitably, creating greater success for our customers and new opportunities for our employees and the communities in which we operate."

Thompson has been married to her husband Bob Knuth for 23 years, and they live in Southern California with their three children.

Acquired by Bonduelle in 2017 as Ready Pac Foods, the renamed Bonduelle Fresh Americas manufactures a complete range of products featuring fresh produce and protein under the company's Ready Pac Foods®, Bistro®, Ready Snax®, Cool Cuts® and elevĀte™ brands. Offerings include fresh-cut salads, vegetables, snacking and fresh prepared meals, available where consumers buy groceries and in restaurant chains across North America.

About Bonduelle Fresh Americas

Bonduelle Fresh Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bonduelle (BON.PA), and home of the Ready Pac Foods brand. With four processing facilities throughout the U.S., the business unit focuses on fresh vegetables, salads and fresh meal solutions for the Americas. Acquired by Bonduelle in 2017 as Ready Pac Foods, the renamed Bonduelle Fresh Americas is the newest of the company's five business units. For more information, visit www.readypac.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Bonduelle
Bonduelle, a family business, was established in 1853. Its mission is to be the world reference in well-living through plant-based foods. Prioritizing innovation and long-term vision, the group is diversifying its operations and geographical presence. Its vegetables, grown over more than 130,000 hectares all over the world, are sold in 100 countries under various brand names and through various distribution channels and forms. An expert in agro-industry, with 54 industrial sites or owned agricultural production facilities, Bonduelle produces quality products by selecting the best crop areas close to its customers.

SOURCE Bonduelle Fresh Americas