The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
FoodBev Media
19 June 2008
Next Proteins hires Tom Oliver
With an extensive track record in food-based consumer packaged goods, Oliver will oversee all aspects of the company’s internal and external operations, brand philosophies and product launches.
“We're thrilled to announce the addition of Tom Oliver to our executive management team,” said David Jenkins, chief executive officer and founder of Next Proteins. “Tom brings a wealth of cutting-edge food product experience to Next Proteins. He has a stellar record in leading and growing companies, which, coupled with this global experience, makes him the ideal leader to expand our number one selling Designer Whey business.”
“I'm delighted to utilise my aptitude in operations, leadership, brand building and business growth at Next Proteins,” said Tom Oliver. “I look forward to working with our internal teams, distribution partners, retail affiliates and manufacturing suppliers to build on the current success of Designer Whey products in the competitive nutritional supplement category.”
Tom Oliver is a veteran food executive with extensive experience in product development and the operations of creating successful consumer goods. Oliver served as executive vice president of domestic and international operations while at PowerBar. He oversaw the development and launch of four new product lines in one year; managed a new factory and distribution centre that produced over a million bars a day.
He also headed PowerBar’s company-owned subsidiary in Germany. Additionally, he was a member of the executive team that sold PowerBar to Nestlé for one of the highest multiples ever paid for a food company.
Most recently, Tom Oliver manned the helm for seven and a half years as CEO of CoolSystems, the makers of Game Ready. Prior to his tenure at CoolSystems, he was the vice president of Global Quality Control for Dole Foods and also served as vice president & General Manager of Dole Foods in the Philippines.