Clif Bar names Sally Grimes new CEO
With effect from this month, Clif Bar has a new Chief Executive Officer in Sally Grimes, who joins with 25 years’ experience as a leading food industry exec.
Grimes arrives at the firm as it focuses on its “Five Aspiration” business model, centring on sustaining People, Community, Planet, Brands and Business.
With the appointment of Grimes, Clif Bar founder, owners and current co-CEOs Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford will remain on the company’s Board of Directors.
A globally recognised consumer packaged goods leader, Grimes has deep expertise building global brands, businesses and high performing teams. Most recently, she served as Group President at Tyson Foods where she was responsible for the $10 billion Prepared Foods business. In this role, she drove record growth and spearheaded the development of some of the company’s most successful and innovative initiatives.
Prior to joining Tyson Foods, Grimes held senior leadership positions at KRAFT Foods, Newell Rubbermaid and The Hillshire Brands Company. She has received many industry honours, including being named to Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women to Watch” and Fast Company’s “Top 100 Most Creative People in Business.” She received an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
“Growth has a broader meaning at Clif Bar,” said Erickson. “To us, it’s an opportunity to take care of people, be of service to our communities and help build a more equitable and sustainable food system. Sally’s passion for what makes Clif unique will benefit our company culture and her track record for innovative thinking will help take us to the next level. We are thrilled to have Sally leading us forward.”
Crawford added: “Clif Bar’s role in business today has become much bigger than the bar. Sally is committed to our vision for leading with purpose and to the values that underpin everything we do. We could not be more excited for her to join us.”
New CEO Grimes said: “I am honoured to join this extraordinary company at a time when people are looking to brands to lead by example, something Clif Bar has been doing for nearly 30 years. Clif is in a unique position to not only innovate, but also drive meaningful change in our food system. Their focus on the long game is inspiring and offers endless potential. I can’t wait to get started.”
Clif’s environment-backing philosophy has seen it back projects in its home territory of the US as well as in the UK.
