ONTARIO, CALIF. — Bernard Kreilmann has been named chief executive officer of Ajinomoto Windsor, a manufacturer of ethnic frozen foods in the United States and a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
Previously, Mr. Kreilmann was chief executive officer of Ferrero USA, maker of Nutella and Tic Tac. During his time at the company, he helped grow sales 250% from $200 million to more than $700 million.
“We are very excited to have someone of Bernard's caliber join our leadership team,” said Takaaki Nishii, president and c.e.o. of Ajinomoto Co. “His uncanny ability to build the popularity of brands and anticipate customer demand will help drive the future success of our business.”
Ajinomoto Windsor produces frozen foods for consumers, commercial restaurants, food service operators and industrial customers in North America. Brands include Tai Pei, Bernardi and José Olé.
“Ajinomoto Windsor is already a powerhouse in the frozen food industry and has had great success in the ethnic frozen food market,” Mr. Kreilmann said. “I am really looking forward to working with our employees and customers to usher in a new era of prosperity for the company.”
Ajinomoto Co., a global manufacturer of seasonings, processed foods and beverages, acquired Ajinomoto Windsor, previously known as Windsor Foods, last year. The acquisition broadens Ajinomoto Co.’s footprint in the North America market and positions the company for long-term global growth. With an acquisition budget of $1 billion, Ajinomoto Co. said it aspires to rank among the world’s 10 biggest food manufacturers by 2020. Founded in 1909, the company now operates in 26 countries and regions and had consolidated net sales of JPY 991.3 billion ($11 billion) in fiscal 2013.
