Sokol Custom Food Ingredients, a family-owned company that has been developing custom food formulations for 125 years, announced Shawn M. Sullivan has been named CEO, effective September 26. Tim Novak, former president of Sokol, will remain active as he continues to support the business as chairman of the board.
Sullivan, whose appointment follows food-focused investment firm Burlington Capital Partners’ (BCP) recent acquisition of Sokol, has more than 30 years of experience delivering exponential revenue growth and profitability for organizations in the CPG and B2B ingredients industries. He joins Sokol from Barry Callebaut America, where he served as Vice President of Sales for the Premium Decorations and Inclusions business unit. As CEO of Sokol, Sullivan will be responsible for leading growth and developing strategic partnerships.
“In this next phase of Sokol under the BCP umbrella, we are committed to evolving our capabilities and bringing on best-in-class leadership, starting with Shawn’s hire,” said Tim Novak, chairman of the board, Sokol. “As a seasoned industry leader, Shawn is ideally suited to take over the reins. The combination of his passion for customer-driven innovation and entrepreneurial spirit with Sokol’s ability to execute operationally as a leading co-manufacturer, gives us confidence that a bright future is ahead for Sokol’s business.”
Prior to Barry Callebaut, Sullivan served as senior vice president of Gertrude Hawk Ingredients, a company that supplies innovative confectionery ingredients to ice cream, baking, snacking, and contract manufacturing markets. During his tenure at Gertrude Hawk, Sullivan grew sales 450% over a 14-year period, built high-quality teams and was awarded “Dairy Queen Supplier of the Year” for innovation, service, and quality.
“From ingredients and retail brands to private label, Sokol has made its mark across the food industry,” said Sullivan. “Despite current economic uncertainties, the company is poised to see significant growth due in part to its diverse business portfolio and long legacy of supplying both quality products and exceptional customer service. As CEO, I will use my expertise to help build upon the strong foundation that the talented team at Sokol has created, bringing the company to its full potential as the leading custom ingredients manufacturer.”
