A Seasoned Executive Steps Up (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Illinois – Sara Lee Frozen Bakery appointed industry veteran Peter Laport as its new chief executive officer on February 23, positioning the company for accelerated growth under private equity ownership.[1]
A Seasoned Executive Steps Up
Peter Laport brings over 30 years of leadership in consumer products and food sectors across North America and international markets to his new role at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery.[1]
Most recently, he served as CEO of Arctic Glacier Premium Ice, a major supplier of packaged, block, and crushed ice. That company changed hands last week when investment firm Carlyle sold it to Reddy Ice, backed by SCI Capital Partners, for an undisclosed amount. Laport’s extensive track record equips him to navigate competitive landscapes effectively.
His career highlights include senior positions at several prominent organizations. These roles underscore his expertise in scaling operations and driving results.
- UK-based Bakkavor’s US operation
- Ready Pac Foods, later part of Bonduelle Fresh Americas
- Dunkin’ Brands
- Revlon
- Nestlé
The Evolution of Sara Lee Frozen Bakery
Sara Lee Frozen Bakery supplies baked goods and desserts to foodservice customers, restaurants, grocery retailers, and in-store bakeries throughout the US.[1]
Kohlberg & Company, the private equity firm that backs the business, acquired it from Tyson Foods in 2018. The deal included key brands such as Sara Lee, Van’s, Chef Pierre, and Bistro Collection. This move relaunched the entity as an independent player after years under larger corporate umbrellas.
The company’s roots trace back to the original Sara Lee Corporation. Restructuring in 2012 divided it into Hillshire Brands, which housed the frozen dessert lines, and DE Master Blenders 1753. Tyson Foods purchased Hillshire Brands in 2014, setting the stage for the eventual sale to Kohlberg.
Seamless Leadership Transition
Craig Bahner guided Sara Lee Frozen Bakery since Kohlberg’s acquisition in 2018, laying a strong foundation for future success.[1]
Gus Harwood, a partner at Kohlberg & Company, praised the outgoing leader. “We are grateful to Craig for the role he has played in positioning the business for long-term success and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Harwood stated.
Harwood also highlighted Laport’s fit for the role. “Peter brings a rare combination of enterprise leadership, operational discipline, and a people-centered approach to Sara Lee Frozen Bakery,” he said. “His ability to align strategy, teams, and execution makes him exceptionally well-suited to spearhead the company’s exciting next chapter.”[1]
Focus on Fundamentals for Growth
Laport emphasized core principles in a LinkedIn post announcing his appointment. “Over the past 30 years, I’ve learned that every new beginning brings both responsibility and possibility,” he wrote. “No matter the business or the moment, the work always comes back to the same fundamentals: putting people first, building trust, and creating clarity around where we’re going and how we’ll get there.”[1]
This philosophy aligns with the company’s goals as it enters a new growth phase. Stakeholders view the leadership shift as a strategic move to capitalize on market opportunities in the frozen bakery segment.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Laport succeeds Craig Bahner with 30+ years of food industry experience.
- Kohlberg & Company backs Sara Lee Frozen Bakery post-2018 Tyson acquisition.
- New leadership targets the company’s next expansion chapter.
As Sara Lee Frozen Bakery charts its course under Laport, the focus remains on innovation and execution in a dynamic foodservice market. This appointment reinforces commitment to sustained progress. What are your thoughts on this leadership change? Share in the comments.
