Two Top-management Appointments Made by Utz Brands to Achieve Short- and Long-term Goals

Utz Brands, Inc. recently announced the appointments of Mitchell ("Mitch") Arends as Executive Vice President, and Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer and Cary Devore as Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating and Transformation Officer.

These appointments, which will take effect on November 27, 2023, will help the Company achieve both short- and long-term goals, such as supply chain optimization and integrated business planning.

“I believe that these appointments will significantly strengthen the Company’s ability to deliver our strategic priorities, unlock further potential, and help drive our short- and long-term growth objectives,” Howard Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Utz, declared.

Arends will handle all areas of the supply chain as Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, including procurement, production, transportation, warehousing, and planning. He will accelerate Utz's efforts to optimize its supply chain network and capabilities, capitalizing on the Company's tremendous achievement over the last two years in scaling its productivity program, enhancing service levels, and introducing improved procedures and capabilities.

At its Investor Day in New York City on December 15, 2023, Utz will provide into greater detail about its supply chain optimization activities and present Mitchell Arends. Arends will report to Utz Chief Executive Officer Howard Friedman.

“Mitch’s experience and track record in integrated supply chain leadership make him an excellent fit for Utz, especially as we continue our journey to further optimize our supply chain network. He will work closely with our talented existing manufacturing and supply chain leadership team in Shannan Redcay, EVP, Manufacturing, and Chad Whyte, EVP, Supply Chain. Given the significant opportunity ahead of us, Mitch’s leadership and expertise will enhance our ability to execute with excellence at speed,” Friedman added.

Cary Devore will supervise the implementation of the Company's strategic plan priorities, large-scale transformation initiatives, and scaling key enabling capabilities across the Company as Chief Operating and Transformation Officer. With over seven years of experience at Utz, he is uniquely positioned to manage the Company's transformation operations given the complexity and long-term implications to the company.

“Cary is a proven performer and his contributions have been instrumental over the past seven years, including in the Company’s transition from a smaller private to a larger publicly traded company. I am extremely pleased he has accepted this significant role leading our major strategic plan initiatives. Cary’s breadth of knowledge about our company, diversity of experience, and acumen make him the perfect partner to deliver this work stream and elevate total company performance,” Friedman also mentioned.

Mitchell Arends comes to Utz with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of the supply chain, most recently as Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America Operations at Kraft Heinz. At Kraft Heinz, Mr. Arends had end-to-end accountability for a USD22bn supply chain with direct P&L responsibility. Under his leadership, Kraft Heinz transformed into one of the top 25 CPG supply chains as recognized by Gartner. Before Kraft Heinz, where Mr. Arends held various roles from 2010 - 2023, Arends served in procurement and operations roles at Nestle & Gerber, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, and Deere & Company.

Mitchell Arends holds a B.A. in Supply Chain Management / Operations Management from Michigan State University, as well as an M.B.A. from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management.

Cary Devore joined Utz in November 2016 and has served in a variety of senior leadership roles. He became EVP, Chief Financial Officer in 2019 before transitioning to his current position of EVP, Chief Operating Officer in 2021. Before Utz, Devore held various roles in the private equity sector.

Cary Devore graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, and received his MBA from the University of Michigan with High Honors.