VANCOUVER, B.C. — Michael Watt has been named chief executive officer at Daiya Foods, an Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., subsidiary focused on dairy-, gluten-, peanut- and soy-free plant-based food.

Mr. Watt joins Daiya from Baby Gourmet Foods Inc., where he was c.e.o. He held several leadership positions at large C.P.G. companies before that, including vice-president and general manager at Wrigley, global integration leader at Mars and Wrigley, vice-president of marketing at Confections Brands and director at Campbell Soup Co.

As c.e.o., Mr. Watt will lead all global operations for Daiya throughout North America and its continued international expansion. He also will oversee the company’s move to an updated, 400,000-square-foot operating facility this fall. Other upcoming projects include a new innovation center and corporate headquarters.

“We feel strongly that Michael is the right person to successfully lead Daiya into the future,” said William McHale, chairman of the board of directors at Daiya Foods. “In a marketplace of increasing competition and complexity, we are confident that his global experience combined with his innovative mindset and strong leadership skills will position Daiya as a leading plant-based brand in our industry.”