Deanna Jurgens has been appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc., effective May 12, 2025. She will also join the Board of Directors.
Ms. Jurgens brings a deep experience growing branded businesses, an established track record with large foodservice and retail customers and success scaling companies globally. These experiences make her suitable to take Armanino Foods into its next phase of growth and expansion.
She recently served as the Chief Sales Officer at Bonduelle Americas leading the $650 million fresh business. She has successfully guided Bonduelle Americas in the last two years through customer acquisition, innovation, expansion and cost strategies. This resulted in its largest share gains in five years thereby driving greater profitability.
Before joining Bonduelle America, Jurgens held the positions of President of North America and Global Chief Growth Officer for Beyond Meat, where she led the growth of its international business by collaborating with McDonalds and YUM Brands. She expanded Beyond Meat’s brand in the US through a PepsiCo joint venture in plant-based jerky, achieving a big market share in one year. At the beginning of her career, Jurgens spent 16 years with PepsiCo where she partnered with some of the largest retailers in the US, including Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club. She also led the operations of Frito-Lay’s largest region which generated over $3B in annual revenue. Ms. Jurgens has received many industry honors, including being named to Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women – Next Gen”.
Douglas R. Nichols, Chairman of the Board, said, “The Board is thrilled to welcome Deanna Jurgens as our new President and CEO. Ms. Jurgens’ extensive food industry experience speaks for itself—her leadership roles at Bonduelle Americas and Beyond Meat have consistently delivered growth, innovation, and strong customer partnerships. Her strategic vision and proven ability to scale brands globally make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Armanino Foods into its next phase of growth and innovation. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Director James Ford for his exceptional leadership throughout the CEO search process, and to Al Banisch and Tony Muscato for their diligent evaluation of the many outstanding candidates.”
Mr. Nichols concluded, “We see this decision to hire Deanna as a new future building on a great passionate past.”
Ms. Jurgens stated, “I’m honored and excited to take on the role of CEO to lead Armanino into its next phase of prosperity. This company has an incredible foundation of growth, and I look forward to working with our talented team, suppliers and customers to further broaden our company, build on the Armanino tradition and extend our success well into the future.”
Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. is an international food company that manufactures and markets frozen Italian specialty food items to the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets. In addition to a classic Basil Pesto, Armanino offers other flavors and sauces including Cilantro, Dried Tomato & Garlic, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Southwest Chipotle, Artichoke, Roasted Garlic, Light Basil Pesto, Chimichurri, Harissa, Bolognese, and Alfredo. Armanino’s organic line includes classic Basil Pesto. Finally, Armanino Foods also offers cheese shakers, frozen pastas, and meatballs.
