NEWARK, N.J. – One day before the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover, The Manischewitz Co. announced David Sugarman has joined the company as president and chief executive officer.
Manischewitz, the largest matzo baker in the world, said Mr. Sugarman assumed the top position at the company earlier in the week. He most recently served as president and chief executive officer of The Allan Candy Co., a division of The Hershey Company. Hershey acquired Allan, based in Mississauga, Ont., in December 2014.
Earlier in 2014, Sankaty Advisors, an affiliate of Bain Capital L.L.C., made a strategic investment in Manischewitz, a major supplier of kosher food products in addition to matzah. At the time, Mark Weinstein was named interim c.e.o. of Manischewitz.
Mr. Sugarman will direct Manischewitz’s business strategy, develop and foster customer relationships, and oversee all daily operations. In addition to his work with Allan Candy, Mr. Sugarman’s experience in the food business includes Sabra Dipping Company, where he served as country manager for Canada; and at Billy Bee Honey Products and Succession Capital Corporation.
“We are delighted to have David on board as his experience as a food industry executive makes him a valuable leader to help execute the company's growth plans,” said Brett L'Esperance, a Sankaty executive vice-president and a member of the Manischewitz board of directors. “David's dynamic leadership and vision are great assets which will substantially benefit the company.”
“I look forward to working with the team and our customer partners to continue to produce the highest quality kosher products possible,” Mr. Sugarman said.
Mr. Sugarman holds a master’s of business administration from The Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto and a bachelor’s of science degree from The University of Toronto.
