LAKEVILLE, Mass. \u2014 Ocean Spray, the agricultural cooperative behind one of Massachusetts\u2019 most recognizable brands, has named Abigail Buckwalter as its new president and chief executive officer.<\/p>\n
The company, which is owned by roughly 700 family farmers, announced the leadership change on Monday. Buckwalter brings two decades of experience across global consumer-packaged goods and healthcare companies.<\/p>\n
Most recently, Buckwalter served as CEO of Nestl\u00e9 Health Science U.S., where she led a workforce of more than 6,000 employees and oversaw a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of consumer and healthcare brands.<\/p>\n
Ocean Spray\u2019s board chairman, Peter P. Dhillon, called Buckwalter a \u201ctransformational leader\u201d with the experience needed to guide the cooperative into its next chapter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile her track record of operational excellence and innovation is impressive, what truly set her apart is how she thinks about and enacts people-first leadership every day,\u201d Dhillon said in a statement. \u201cThat combination of global vision and human-centered approach is exactly what\u2019s needed to lead Ocean Spray into its second century of business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buckwalter spent 15 years at Nestl\u00e9 Health Science and held leadership roles across Europe, Oceania, and North America. During her tenure, she led strategic business reviews, helped turn around underperforming divisions, and worked to expand product innovation and market share.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Buckwalter said she sees a significant opportunity for Ocean Spray as consumer preferences continue to evolve.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur industry finds itself at an incredibly dynamic tipping point in consumer behavior and buying habits,\u201d she said. \u201cI believe Ocean Spray, with its iconic brand and global platform, is uniquely positioned to deliver against those expectations around taste and health benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that her focus will be on combining consumer-driven innovation with strong operational performance.<\/p>\n
Ocean Spray, founded in 1930, is best known for its cranberry juices.<\/p>\n
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n