Amy’s Kitchen has appointed Paul Schiefer, the company’s current president, as its new CEO, while co-founder Andy Berliner transitions to the role of executive chairman. This strategic shift reflects the company’s commitment to fostering leadership change in the food and beverage industry.
Schiefer, who has been with Amy’s Kitchen for over two decades and served as president since 2023, will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the business. “During Schiefer’s tenure as president, the company delivered its strongest gross-margin performance in a decade, improving profitability by 60%,” stated the company in a recent announcement.
Andy Berliner, who co-founded Amy’s Kitchen with his wife Rachel in 1987, previously held the CEO position until 2020. After a short leadership change with former president Xavier Unkovic, Berliner once again took the helm as chief executive in May 2021.
Schiefer’s extensive experience includes a variety of roles within the company, starting as a manufacturing intern. As CEO, he aims to protect what makes Amy’s special while ensuring the brand remains relevant to the next generation of consumers who care deeply about food quality and production methods. He emphasized the importance of trust in the food sector, especially given fluctuating consumer confidence, stating, “Amy’s 40-year track record as an independent, values-driven B Corp matters more than ever.”
Looking ahead, Schiefer plans to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. He aims to solidify Amy’s position within the food and drink business, responding effectively to evolving food and drink consumer trends.
In his new role as executive chairman, Berliner will concentrate on long-term vision and governance, ensuring that the company adheres to its core values and mission. Meanwhile, Rachel Berliner will continue to be involved in areas such as innovation and marketing.
Employing over 2,600 individuals, Amy’s Kitchen operates manufacturing facilities in Santa Rosa, California; Medford, Oregon; and Pocatello, Idaho. The company has a robust market presence, selling not only across the U.S. but also in more than ten other countries, with retail sales nearing $1 billion.
In summary, this leadership transition at Amy’s Kitchen underlines the company’s dedication to navigating the dynamic landscape of food and beverage industry trends, ensuring it remains a significant player in the global market.
