JACKSON, MICH. — Serhat Unsal, former president of Dawn Foods International, has been promoted to co-chief executive officer of Dawn Food Products. Mr. Unsal joins Carrie Jones-Barber as co-c.e.o. in a new leadership model for the Jackson-based provider of mixes, bases, ices, glazes, fillings, frozen dough, par-baked and fully baked products. Under the new model, Mr. Unsal and Ms. Jones-Barber will have equal responsibility and authority.
“As our business has become more complex and increasingly global, this model enables Dawn to be even more successful,” Ms. Jones-Barber said. “By broadening our knowledge and experience at the senior leadership level, and by driving a more collaborative work environment, we will deliver significant opportunity for our company, our team members and our customers.”
Mr. Unsal joined Dawn in 2011 following an 18-year career at Unilever n.v. As president of Dawn Foods International from 2011-2016, he led Dawn’s global growth in the company’s key European markets along with emerging markets in Africa, Middle East, Asia/Pacific and Latin America.
Dawn said Mr. Unsal has been “an essential source of leadership and experience during the company’s acquisition and successful integration of a major high-quality, premium bakery ingredient supplier into Dawn’s global organization. He is a dynamic leader who is committed to optimizing the different strengths of team members to deliver exceptional results and business growth.”
Mr. Unsal received a master’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Toronto.
Ms. Jones-Barber has been c.e.o. of Dawn Food Products since 2006. She is the third generation of the Jones family to lead Dawn. Prior to becoming c.e.o., Ms. Jones-Barber was president of Dawn Foods International, where she was responsible for developing a business strategy that delivered growth and profitability in Dawn’s international operations. Earlier, she was a business development manager for Dawn Foods UK Ltd., where she helped secure business opportunities in the U.K. and Europe.
Ms. Jones-Barber received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
