NEW YORK — Michael Allen has been named chief executive officer at Kidfresh, a maker of frozen children’s food featuring hidden vegetables.
Mr. Allen, who joined the company’s board as an operating advisor in 2018, owns and operates Georgian Group LLC, an investment and advisory firm focused on food and beverage companies. He previously was president of Boulder Brands, an operating unit of Pinnacle Foods, prior to its acquisition by Conagra Brands. He also spent 17 years at Kellogg Co. in a series of domestic and international leadership positions.
He joins the Kidfresh executive team as part of a larger leadership shuffle that saw co-founder and former CEO Matt Cohen transition to the role of chief customer officer. Mr. Cohen, who served as CEO since launching the company in 2007, will focus on growing distribution in the natural channel in his new role.
Other additions include Mike Carey, chief financial officer, and Lindsay Kaden, vice president of marketing and innovation.
Mr. Carey brings nearly 25 years of finance management experience to Kidfresh. He held positions at the Walt Disney Co., Telecom and Semiconductors early in his career and later was vice president of finance at bedding retailer Sleepy’s. From there, he moved into the CPG space beginning with The Nature’s Bounty Co., followed by CFO roles at smaller brands No Cow and Roar Beverages.
Ms. Kaden joins the company from Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co., where she was acting chief marketing officer. Before that she was marketing director at Siggi’s Dairy. She also was a brand manager for energy drinks at The Coca-Cola Co. and a brand manager at Le Pain Quotidien.
“I’m thrilled to be working alongside a team of dedicated, intelligent individuals who are committed to continuing to revolutionize Kidfresh and the frozen aisle,” Mr. Cohen said. “The frozen industry has grown exponentially in the last couple of years and Kidfresh has continued to lead the space with innovative and delicious products. I’m looking forward to continuing this upward trajectory with a strong team by my side.”
