The board of directors of Snyder's-Lance, Inc. recently announced that David V. Singer, the company's chief executive officer, has elected to retire from his CEO role following the company's annual meeting of stockholders on May 3, 2013. Singer will not stand for re-election as a director. He has served as a director of the company since 2003 and as CEO since 2005.
The company's board of directors has named Carl E. Lee, Jr., who has served as president and chief operating officer since December 2010, to succeed Singer as chief executive officer. Lee served as chief executive officer of Snyder's of Hanover, Inc. from 2005 until 2010. Singer will serve in an advisory capacity in support of the leadership transition through February 2014.
Beginning in 2005, Singer led a decisive turnaround, overhauling supply chain, sales, marketing and distribution. He built a strong management team that established disciplines and a culture of strategic focus, driving decision analytics to new levels within the company. Prior to 2010, the company completed several strategic acquisitions that complemented the turnaround initiatives, providing increased capabilities and capacity. In late 2010, Singer guided the Lance, Inc. merger with Snyder's of Hanover, Inc. to create Snyder's-Lance, Inc. Over Singer's tenure as CEO, the company's revenues and profits have more than tripled and total return to the company's shareholders compounded at an annualized rate of 11 percent, well above the Russell 2000 Index of 6 percent and the S&P 500 Index of 4 percent.
"On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Dave for his many years of service and leadership to our company. The board is confident in Carl's ability and is excited that he will assume the role of president and CEO," said Michael A. Warehime, chairman of the board, in a prepared statement. "Dave has accomplished much in his tenure at Snyder's-Lance, and we appreciate greatly the strong foundation that has been built under his leadership. His dedication and industry experience have been instrumental in the Company's growth into the snack industry leader it is today, and we look forward to building on that success," added Bill J. Prezzano, lead independent director.
"I'm proud to have been a part of Snyder's-Lance's growth into a national snack food company with a growing portfolio of iconic brands. We have a very strong board of directors, a highly capable and experienced leadership team, thousands of dedicated associates, a robust strategic plan and great brands and products," commented Singer. "Accordingly, given our firm financial and operational footing and solid succession plan, I believe now is the appropriate time to begin the transition with Carl. I share the board's confidence in his ability to lead our company and feel confident that Snyder's-Lance is well positioned for continued growth and success for years to come. I look forward to working with Carl and the other directors to ensure a seamless transition."
