Snyders-Lance names interim CEO as Lee retires

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the company announced its first-quarter financial results, Snyder’s-Lance on Monday announced that its CEO had retired. Carl Lee, Jr., leaves the company after 12 years with Snyder’s-Lance, and director Brian Driscoll — who was formerly president and CEO of Diamond Foods — will be serving as CEO in the interim as the company undertakes a national search for a permanent replacement.

“On behalf of the entire Snyder's-Lance organization, the board of directors would like to thank Carl for his many contributions to the Company, and welcome Brian into his new role,” chairman James Johnston said. “We see great potential in the strategic direction of the company, and are excited to have access to Brian's talent and experience to bring the company to the next level of performance. With increased focus on margin expansion and profitable growth, we are confident that Brian has the skills to address some of the recent performance challenges, as well as drive the company to a level of profitability more in line with the expectations of our shareholders.”

Driscoll has been in the food industry for more than 35 years, leading Diamond Foods until it was acquired by Snyder’s-Lance in 2016.

“I am honored and excited to be asked by the Board to fulfill this critical role for the Company at such an important time in its development,” Driscoll said. “I plan to immediately diagnose the underlying drivers of the Company's margin and revenue performance and put in place strategies to continue to deliver on the expectations of our shareholders.”