US candy and nut company Mount Franklin Foods has appointed Enrique Grajeda as its new president and CEO, effective immediately.
Grajeda, who replaces Gary Ricco in the roles, has been the company’s chief financial officer since October 2014.
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The El Paso, Texas-based business manufactures branded and private-label confectionery, nuts, snacks and foodservice products. It supplies major retailers, wholesalers, co-manufacturing customers and foodservice distributors through its Sunrise Confections, Azar Nut and Hospitality Mints divisions.
Speaking about Grajeda’s appointment, company chairman Eloy Vallina said: “Enrique has served as the chief financial officer since October of 2014 and has done an exemplary job of overseeing the company’s accounting, finance, treasury, legal, internal audit, IT/MIS, customs and tax departments.
“In addition, Grajeda has done an excellent job leading the company’s merger and acquisitions initiatives where he has greatly influenced the success of the business. Furthermore, he has significantly increased the credit facilities which has allowed Mount Franklin Foods to secure the capital needed for on-going rapid growth.”
Grajeda said: “The company is built on incredibly loyal team members and a very dedicated group of individuals in every facet of the business. As we look to continue our momentum from the last few years, I know one thing is for certain, the best is yet to come for Mount Franklin Foods.”
His predecessor, Ricco, announced in the Spring that he was retiring after eight years with the company.
In February, Mount Franklin announced it was building a new manufacturing facility for its core confectionery business.
