PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Robert C. Cantwell has been named president and chief executive officer of B&G Foods, Inc. He will assume his new position on Jan. 1, 2015, and replace current B&G Foods president and c.e.o., David Wenner, who is retiring.

Mr. Cantwell is currently executive vice-president of finance and chief financial officer for B&G Foods.

“Bob Cantwell has been a key member of our management team for more than 30 years,” said Stephen C. Sherrill, chairman of the B&G Foods board of directors. “His strong leadership skills, breadth of experience, financial expertise, integrity and passion for our business have been invaluable as B&G Foods has grown from a small, regional pickle company to a leading public food company with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands.

“Bob’s long list of accomplishments, including in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, operational improvements and cost reduction efforts, has helped lead to tremendous value creation for B&G Foods’ stockholders over the years in the form of dividends and stock price appreciation. Bob Cantwell is uniquely qualified to be the next c.e.o. of B&G Foods and to lead the company through its next phase of growth.”

Mr. Cantwell joined B&G Foods in 1983 as the assistant vice-president of finance. In that position, he had responsibility for all financial reporting and budgeting.

Mr. Cantwell was promoted to his current position in 1991, assuming full responsibility for all financial matters, as well as management information systems, data processing, administration and corporate human resources. Prior to joining B&G Foods, Mr. Cantwell spent four years at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he received accreditation as a certified public accountant. He has served on the Board of Directors of B&G Foods since 2005.