Edmond J. Pera, president and CEO of Armanino Foods of Distinction in Hayward, California, is retiring in March. He will stay on as an executive advisor for a transitional period until Sept. 15, and will remain on the board of directors for the foreseeable future.
Pera, who will turn 80 this year, has served as president and CEO since 2009, after having served as CFO and COO since 2003 and a director since 2000. Under his leadership as CEO the company’s revenues more than doubled and profits grew steadily as a result of product line expansions and continuing market penetration by new customer acquisition.
“Ed leaves the company in great shape and positioned to continue his legacy of delivering strong financial results, a menu of high quality products that are respected by competitors and a base of very loyal customers,” said Chairman of the Board Doug Nichols.
Pera said, “I am most proud of building a stable, disciplined and steadily-growing company that has delivered 78 consecutive quarters of dividends without a hiccup, and 65 consecutive quarters of profitability. I am grateful to the board and shareholders of the company for their trust and support that allowed me to step into the big shoes of Bill Armanino and continue his family’s legacy in the food industry.”
Succeeding Pera as only the company’s third president and CEO since 1990 will be Timothy W. Anderson. He also will join the Armanino board. Anderson brings more than 25 years of increasing responsibility in growing brands and business organizations, including Pepperidge Farm/Campbell’s Soup, Del Monte Foods and Challenge Dairy Products. Most recently he served as SVP at Challenge Dairy, where he more than doubled the size of the regional butter brand, leading it to become the number two national brand that is available in all 50 states. Under his management, food service sales and profits for Challenge recorded double-digit gains.
“Tim’s expertise is in building strong teams, brands and financial results across all channels of business,” said Nichols. “We are excited for the energy and experience that he brings to our company.”
Armanino Foods of Distinction manufactures and markets frozen Italian specialty food items such as pestos, Bolognese, Alfredo sauce and filled pastas to the foodservice, retail and industrial markets.
