Vegetable-based frozen food manufacturer names new CEO

Vegetable-based frozen food manufacturer Caulipower has named an industry veteran as its new CEO. Tyler Ricks has been a member of the company’s board of directors since 2022.

Ricks most recently worked with beverage brand Super Coffee, according to a news release. Trained in brand management at PepsiCo, he also worked with companies including Plum Organics, Bear Naked Granola, Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt and Wholesome Sweeteners through growth and acquisition periods.

“Tyler’s exemplary leadership skills and experience are the perfect fit for Caulipower and our next phase of growth driven by innovation,” Gail Becker, Caulipower founder, said in the release. “With his 30 years of experience across food and beverage, and half of that time focused on premium better-for-you brands, the company could not be in more reliable hands.”

Ricks has held four CEO titles and 15 board seats while investing in more than 40 businesses, according to the release. He has led startups along with established companies such as Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, which has 1,200 locations and $650 million in revenue, according to the release.

“Gail is a unique breed of founder who built an award-winning $120 million-plus brand from nothing in very little time by disrupting a category where consumers were desperate for new choices,” Ricks said. “I am looking forward to partnering with her and continuing to benefit from her insights across brand, innovation and sales.

“Caulipower has already accomplished so much, but what excites me most is the future growth potential of the brand and leading this outstanding team.”

Marc Seguin, who led the company over the last two years during a transitional period which included nine product launches in the last year, will step down, according to the release.

“On behalf of the Caulipower board of directors and all our employees, I would like to thank Marc for his contributions and wish him the best,” Ricks said.

Caulipower’s gluten-free products, including frozen pizzas and pizza crusts, pasta and chicken, can be found in 25,000 stores nationwide, according to the company.