Petaluma-based Amy’s Kitchen announced a major leadership milestone Wednesday, promoting company president Paul Schiefer to CEO.
The North Bay Business Journal reports Schiefer, who started as a high school intern on the production line, has spent over two decades rising through the ranks of the family-owned organic food giant. Under his recent tenure as president, the company saw its strongest gross margin performance in a decade and a 60% boost in profitability.
Outgoing CEO and co-founder Andy Berliner will transition to executive chairman, focusing on long-term vision and company values. The leadership shift comes as Amy’s approaches $1 billion in retail sales following a strategic decision to close its drive-thru restaurants and refocus on its core frozen-food business.
Schiefer says he aims to keep the company at the forefront of food culture while maintaining its “made at home” quality.