B&G Foods’ EVP of operations to retire at end of 2019

Parsippany-based B&G Foods Inc. announced Tuesday that William F. Herbes, executive vice president of operations, plans to retire at the end of the year.

Herbes has served in his role since joining the company in August 2009.

“Bill has been a very important member of our management team since joining B&G Foods almost ten years ago. It has been a privilege to work with Bill and I am delighted that Bill has agreed to remain with B&G Foods through year end and partner with Erich Fritz, our Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, to continue to evolve our operations to become even more efficient and cost effective,” Kenneth G. Romanzi, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

B&G also recently announced Romanzi will become its next CEO and president, effective April 6.

“Bill has been a tremendous contributor to B&G Foods’ growth over the past ten years. Since assuming responsibility for our supply chain and manufacturing operations in 2009, our company’s net sales have more than tripled and our domestic and international sourcing and manufacturing operations and capabilities have greatly expanded. Mr. Herbes has played an integral role in our growth, including through post-M&A integration of numerous manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and co-pack arrangements, including B&G Foods’ two largest manufacturing facilities.

“Under Bill’s strong leadership, we also successfully established a frozen distribution network following our acquisition of the Green Giant brand and successfully outsourced our shelf-stable distribution network to a third-party logistics provider. Over the years, Bill has also played a key role in our cost savings initiatives. I am very pleased that Bill will continue with B&G Foods through the remainder of 2019 and wish him the best of luck in his retirement,” Robert C. Cantwell, CEO and president of B&G Foods, said.