PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. — John C. DiDonato has been named interim chief executive officer and chief technology officer of Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the owner of the Bang Energy brand. John (Jack) H. Owoc, former CEO, chief science officer and chairman, is no longer serving a role with the company or as a member of the board of directors, according to the company.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we acknowledge Jack’s vision in founding this leading brand and creating a world-class product in the energy drink category,” said Steve Panagos, chairman of the board. “As the company continues to pursue value maximization, we are grateful to Mr. DiDonato and the executive leadership team for their stewardship and to the talented and hard-working members of the Bang Energy team for their unyielding commitment to the brand.”

Prior to his new role, Mr. DiDonato was the national practice leader and managing director at Huron Consulting Co. He has experience leading companies through complex financial and operational transformations, according to Vital Pharmaceuticals.

Eugene Bukovi also has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer. He replaces Kathy Cole in the role and who joined the company this past October.

Also in October,the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcyin the Southern District of Florida. The Bang Energy producer said the filing will help the company navigate financial challenges arising from the development of its new decentralized direct-store distribution network and several lawsuits with groups such as Monster Energy and PepsiCo, Inc.