Food waste solutions company Divert, Inc. is implementing significant changes to its leadership structure as it prepares for ambitious growth. Operating from West Concord, Massachusetts, Divert plans to expand its facilities from the current numbers to 30 by 2031 and to broaden its customer outreach to include 8,000 retailers, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, distributors, and foodservice operators. This strategic shift comes on the heels of an increase in demand for sustainable practices in food management, especially given the growing concerns surrounding food waste.
To spearhead this transformation, Divert has appointed four seasoned professionals in key leadership roles. These appointments are expected to enhance the company’s strategic execution across various sectors, laying a solid foundation for its ambitious growth targets.
Andrew Johnston has been named the Vice President of Industrials. With over fifteen years of experience in the food waste sector, Johnston is tasked with steering strategy and revenue growth specifically for industrial customers. His background includes a pivotal role at the Trenton Renewables facility, where he was instrumental in commercializing anaerobic digestion processes for food waste. Johnston’s impressive academic credentials include a Master of Science and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a Master of Engineering Management and multiple degrees from Dartmouth College.
Frenchie Audette joins the team as the Vice President of Foodservice. With nearly two decades of experience in foodservice operations, including leadership roles at Local Kitchens and Square, Inc., Audette’s extensive knowledge will direct the company’s strategy and revenue in the foodservice sector. His past experience as a restaurant owner provides him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Audette holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington.
Derek Spillane assumes the role of Vice President of IT. His appointment follows a lengthy career in IT leadership, most recently at Surgalign, where he managed global enterprise applications and IT operations. Spillane brings over 26 years of experience to Divert, leveraging his technical expertise to enhance the company’s IT operations. He holds an MBA from the National University of Ireland and a Bachelor of International Commerce from University College Galway.
Lee DeVasier is now the Vice President of Transportation and Supply Chain, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational execution in transportation as well as managing logistics within the supply chain. His recent work at Pitney Bowes involved critical aspects of their parcel network, providing him with a wealth of experience in transportation design and operational execution. DeVasier earned both an MBA and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.
Ryan Begin, the CEO and co-founder of Divert, articulated the company’s commitment to exceptional leadership: “We’re deeply committed to hiring exceptional leaders with the expertise, knowledge, and agility needed to support us in this next stage of growth.” He emphasizes the significance of diverse perspectives in driving the organizational strategy and operational execution.
At the forefront of sustainability and resource conservation, Divert recently opened an integrated diversion and energy facility in Turlock, California, marking a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind in the state. This facility symbolizes the company’s unwavering commitment to innovative approaches in food waste management. Additionally, Divert has been recognized as a winner of Progressive Grocer’s 2024 Impact Awards, highlighting its ongoing initiatives in sustainability.
As Divert strengthens its leadership bench, it is strategically positioning itself to manage an expanded customer base while tackling the pressing issues of food waste. The organization’s focus on sustainability reflects a broader industry trend where environmental responsibility is increasingly becoming a core component of business operations.
In conclusion, Divert’s expansion and new hires underscore the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the food industry. As they gear up to meet the demands of an evolving marketplace, the company’s leadership team is expected to guide its ambitious initiatives effectively, ensuring resilience and growth in a competitive landscape.