ST. PAUL, MINN. — Christopher Furman has been named president and chief executive officer of Ventura Foods L.L.C., Brea, Calif., by the Ventura Foods Members Committee. Mr. Furman succeeds retiring president and c.e.o. Richard Mazer as head of the edible oil-based food products company, which is a joint venture between CHS Inc. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Tokyo. Mr. Furman’s appointment will be effective on Nov. 9.

Mr. Furman will join Ventura Foods from PepsiCo, Inc., Purchase, N.Y., where he worked for more than 20 years, most recently as president of the Foodservice Division.

"We are very pleased Chris has decided to join Ventura Foods," said Jay Debertin, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, CHS Oilseed Processing. "His broad experience includes leading sales, marketing and operational teams to new heights, and successfully launching and integrating product lines in the food and beverage industry. His dedication to helping customers succeed is an ideal fit with Ventura Foods."