David Johnson, Aryzta
David S. Johnson has been named c.e.o. of North America at Aryzta.
 

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — David S. Johnson has been named chief executive officer of North America at Aryzta AG, effective Jan. 23, and John Heffernan has been named chief strategy officer at the company, effective Feb. 28. Both will join the group executive committee.

Mr. Johnson joins Aryzta from Barry Callebaut, where he served for nine years as president and c.e.o., Americas, before stepping down in August 2017. Previously, he served in a number of senior positions at Kraft Foods Global, Inc., including president of Kraft North America from 2003 to 2006 and president of operations, technology and procurement from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Johnson also served as chief operating officer and later c.e.o. of Michael Foods from 2007 to 2009.

John Heffernan, Aryzta
John Heffernan, chief strategy officer at Aryzta

Mr. Heffernan joins Aryzta from daa plc, operator of Dublin and Cork airports, where he was chief development officer for the past four years. Previously, he was the founder and c.e.o. of several clean energy businesses. From 2003 to 2006, he was acquisitions and development director with an Irish private equity investor and corporate finance advisory.

“I am delighted to welcome Dave Johnson and John Heffernan to Aryzta and to our executive team,” said Kevin Toland, c.e.o. of Aryzta. “Dave has a track record of successfully leading businesses in turnaround, driving cultural transformation and business development. He has demonstrated a strong customer and market focus while delivering superior financial performance and growth.

“John also has a strong track record across a range of sectors bringing experience in strategic and business development with proven results.

“I look forward to working with Dave and John who will strengthen and deepen our team’s expertise as we focus on our core strengths and to returning Aryzta to performance and growth.”