EMERYVILLE, CALIF. — Kevin Cleary, president and chief operating officer of Clif Bar & Company, has been promoted to chief executive officer. In his new role, Mr. Cleary will focus on expanding Clif Bar’s growth in the sports nutrition and healthy snacks category while continuing to lead the company’s day-to-day business operations. Owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford will continue as co-chairs of Clif Bar & Company’s board of directors and become co-chief visionary officers.

Mr. Cleary joined Clif Bar in 2004 as executive vice-president of sales. In 2006, he was promoted to c.o.o., and in 2009 he was promoted to president and c.o.o.

“Kevin’s talent for leadership and passion for a sustainable business model is evident by our tremendous business growth,” Mr. Erickson said. “To date, Kevin has expanded Clif Bar’s national and international distribution while directing the rapid expansion of the company’s portfolio of on-the-go snacks.”

Ms. Crawford added, “With a passion for people engagement and environmental and social responsibility, Kevin has increased the use of organic and certified sustainable ingredients in our products to new levels.”