CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rick D. Puckett, executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc., will retire Dec. 31. The company said it has begun a national search to identify a successor and will consider both internal and external candidates. Mr. Puckett will continue as c.f.o. until a candidate is selected and transitioned into the company.

Rick Puckett, Snyder's-Lance
Rick D. Puckett, executive vice-president and c.f.o. of Snyder’s-Lance

Mr. Puckett was named executive vice-president and c.f.o. of Snyder’s-Lance in 2010 following the merger of Snyder’s of Hanover and Lance. Previously, he was executive vice-president and c.f.o. of Lance from 2006 to 2010. Prior to joining Lance, Mr. Puckett was executive vice-president and c.f.o. of United Natural Foods, Inc. from 2003 to 2006.

“Rick is a talented strategic business partner,” said Carl E. Lee Jr., president and chief executive officer of Snyder’s-Lance. “After completing the divestiture of our private label business in 2014, and the acquisition of Diamond Foods earlier this year, Rick feels it is the appropriate time to move on to the next phase of his life. I appreciate Rick’s commitment to Snyder’s-Lance, and in particular his willingness to remain at the company to help finalize our Diamond Foods integration plans and to ensure a seamless transition with the next c.f.o. I want to thank Rick for the significant impact he has had on our organization.”