Dawn Food Products Inc., a prominent global player in the bakery manufacturing and ingredient distribution sector, has appointed John Schmitz to the newly established role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Americas. This strategic move is intended to bolster the company’s operational capabilities and expand its market presence across North and Latin America. Schmitz’s elevation to COO underscores Dawn Foods’ commitment to growth and operational excellence in the competitive baking industry.
In his new capacity, Schmitz will maintain his leadership of Dawn’s North American operations while also taking charge of strategic oversight for the Latin American segment. As part of the executive team, he will report directly to CEO Carrie Jones-Barber, further reinforcing the interconnected nature of the company’s leadership across regions. Jones-Barber has praised Schmitz’s track record, noting, “John has been a driving force behind Dawn’s success in North America, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a clear strategic vision.” His extensive experience, particularly in Latin America, positions him uniquely to navigate and leverage growth opportunities in this vital region.
Strategic Vision for Growth
Schmitz’s approach to enhancing operations and fostering collaboration between the North and Latin American markets is aimed at delivering greater customer value. He states, “Our Latin America business and team are exceptionally strong, and by fostering even closer collaboration between North America and Latin America, we will enhance our ability to serve our customers and deliver even greater value across both regions.”
Proven Leadership and Experience
Schmitz brings nearly 30 years of invaluable experience in the food, beverage, and retail sectors. His journey at Dawn Foods began in 2020 as President of North America, where he fine-tuned the strategic direction for the North America ingredients business, emphasizing product development and technological advancement. Prior to joining Dawn, Schmitz held significant roles at Land O’Lakes, where he served as Vice President and General Manager of International Business, overseeing the company’s profit and loss across diverse markets including Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
His accomplishments include transforming Land O’Lakes into a global enterprise, effectively managing business operations in multiple countries such as Canada, Mexico, and South Africa. Schmitz’s educational background includes an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota, reflecting his solid foundation in both practical and theoretical aspects of business management.
Leadership in Latin America
Reporting directly to Schmitz will be Emilio Castillo, who remains the President of Latin America. Castillo has played an instrumental role in achieving record-breaking results for the region. Under his leadership, the Latin America business unit not only thrived but was recognized as the most successful year in company history. Castillo’s ability to manage day-to-day operations and steer the leadership team will be pivotal as Schmitz navigates this newly combined strategy.
Continued Commitment to Excellence
Dawn Foods, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, demonstrates a robust commitment to supporting over 50,000 artisanal and retail bakers and food service providers across more than 100 countries. With nearly 4,000 employees globally, the company’s focus on excellence is not merely a tagline but a core principle that resonates through every aspect of its operations.
The promotion of Schmitz not only reflects the company’s acknowledgment of his past contributions but also highlights its vision to strengthen its foothold in both the North and Latin American markets. This strategic executive appointment is expected to lead to innovative solutions that meet evolving customer demands and enhance the overall baking experience.
In summary, with John Schmitz at the helm as COO for the Americas, Dawn Foods is poised for a future marked by enhanced operational efficiency, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to its customers across the continent.
