Howard Friedman joined Utz in December 2022 and serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Friedman has over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, leading some of America’s most iconic brands, including PEBBLES™ cereal, PHILADELPHIA™ cream cheese, Oscar Mayer™, LUNCHABLES™, and KRAFT®. He has a proven track record of profitably growing businesses and market share through world-class marketing. Further, he has deep experience in new business integration, commercial execution, and value creation.
Before joining Utz, Mr. Friedman served as the Chief Operations Officer of Post Holdings, Inc., from 2021 to 2022 with direct supervision of procurement, environmental health & safety, as well as responsibility for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Prior to his role as COO, Mr. Friedman served as President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, its flagship cereal business, from 2018 to 2021.
While at The Kraft Heinz Company, Mr. Friedman served in roles of increasing responsibility for over 20 years, gaining extensive experience in consumer products and culminating in his role as Executive Vice President, Refrigerated, leading Kraft’s most prominent business unit.
Mr. Friedman began his career in the United States Army, serving in the United States and overseas, completing his service as a Captain. He holds a B.A. from Dickinson College and an M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.