UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS
Departure of Directors
As disclosed in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2023, Freshpet, Inc. (“Freshpet” or the “Company”) previously announced that, in accordance with the Company’s director retirement policy, Charles Norris, Chair of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Freshpet, would retire from the Board, and not stand for reelection, at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2023 Annual Meeting”). On July 20, 2023, however, Mr. Norris informed the Board of his intent to retire as of the earlier date of July 21, 2023. Mr. Norris’ decision to retire is not due to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. Freshpet and the Board wish to sincerely thank Mr. Norris for his exceptional years of service and significant contributions to the Company.
Appointment of New Director
In light of the newly created vacancy resulting from Mr. Norris’ retirement, on July 21, 2023, the Company, upon the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board, appointed David J. West to the Board, effective immediately upon Mr. Norris’ retirement. The Board has determined that Mr. West is an independent director in accordance with the Company’s governance guidelines and the applicable listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rules. Mr. West will serve as a Class III director from July 21, 2023 until the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Company’s stockholders and until such time as his successor is duly elected and qualified, or his earlier death, resignation or removal. In connection with the appointment of Mr. West to the Board, the Board has also appointed Mr. West to serve as a member of the Audit Committee.
Mr. West, age 60, is an accomplished pet food and consumer products executive who brings over three decades of experience leading a range of blue-chip consumer companies and well-known brands. Mr. West has served as a partner of Centerview Capital Consumer since May 2016. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Del Monte Foods from August 2011 to March 2015. During that time, Mr. West led the Del Monte Foods’ Consumer Products business through its rebrand to Big Heart Pet Brands and oversaw its sale to The J.M. Smucker Company in March 2015. He then worked for The J.M. Smucker Company as President of Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks until March 2016 and as a Senior Advisor until April 2016. Mr. West previously served as CEO, President and director of The Hershey Company (“Hershey”) from 2007 to May 2011. Prior to Hershey, Mr. West held a range of senior positions at the Nabisco Biscuit and Snacks group, including Senior Vice President, Finance, and Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Planning. Mr. West is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of Advantage Solutions Inc. and Simply Good Foods and was a member of the Board of Directors of Hershey (from 2007 to 2011), Del Monte Foods (from 2011 to 2014), Big Heart Pet Brands (from 2014 to 2015) and The J.M. Smucker Company (from 2015 to 2016).
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. West, on the one hand, and the Company or any other persons, on the other hand, pursuant to which Mr. West was selected as director. There are no family relationships between Mr. West and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. Mr. West does not have any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Mr. West will receive compensation as a non-employee director in accordance with the Company’s non-employee director compensation practices described in the amendment to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023, as amended on May 1, 2023.
The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which has been filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2022, provides for indemnification of Mr. West as a director to the fullest extent allowed by Delaware law.
Appointment of New Chair of the Board
In light of Mr. Norris’ retirement, the Board has appointed Walter N. George III to serve as Chair of the Board, effective immediately upon Mr. Norris’ retirement on July 21, 2023.
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ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS
On July 21, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Norris’ departure, Mr. West’s appointment to the Board and Mr. George’s appointment to serve as Chair of the Board. A copy of the press release is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated July 21, 2023 | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| FRESHPET, INC. | ||
| Date: July 21, 2023 | By: | /s/ Todd Cunfer |
| Name: | Todd Cunfer | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
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Exhibit 99.1
Freshpet Appoints Dave West to its Board of Directors
West brings nearly 30 years of experience leading high-growth pet and CPG companies and brands
Walt George assumes role of Board Chair, effective immediately, as Charles Norris retires from Board
SECAUCUS, N.J., – July 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) (“Freshpet” or the “Company”) today announced that David J. West has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective July 21, 2023. Mr. West will serve on the Board’s Audit Committee.
Mr. West is an accomplished pet food and consumer products executive who brings over three decades of experience leading a range of blue-chip consumer companies and well-known brands. His experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly a part of Del Monte Foods) and as Chief Executive Officer, President and director of The Hershey Company (“Hershey”).
“Dave is a highly regarded industry veteran with a track record of driving growth at the helm of pet food and consumer goods companies. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Board,” said Walt George, Chair of the Board. “As Freshpet continues to build on its strong brand loyalty and growth momentum, Dave will bring valuable operating and financial insights and perspective drawn from a successful career as CEO, CFO and director at leading public companies in our industry. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to support our continued growth and create value for our shareholders.”
Mr. West said, “As a long-time admirer of Freshpet, I am honored to join the Company’s Board of Directors. I look forward to contributing my operating and financial expertise in pure play pet food and treats to the Board as Freshpet executes its strategy to drive profitability and deliver long-term, sustainable value to its shareholders.”
Mr. West will stand for election as a Class III director at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), and replaces Charles Norris, who is retiring from the Board immediately and not standing for election in accordance with the Company’s mandatory retirement policy. In accordance with the previously announced Chair transition, current director and Chair of the Board’s Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee Walt George has assumed the role of Chair of the Board, effective immediately.
With the addition of Mr. West and retirement of Mr. Norris, the Board is now comprised of 10 directors, nine of whom are independent. Today’s announcement continues the Board’s refreshment process, which also included the recent appointment of former Conagra executive David Biegger to the Board this past May.
Continued Progress on Governance Transformation Roadmap
Today’s announcement demonstrates continued progress on the Board’s multi-year governance transformation roadmap to support the Company’s continued growth. Announced in 2020, this governance transformation has included implementing a staged declassification of the Board and the elimination of all supermajority voting provisions, significant refreshment of the Board’s composition, diversity and expertise, and other notable governance enhancements commensurate with Freshpet’s continued growth and expansion.
David J. West Biography
Mr. West has served as a partner of Centerview Capital Consumer since May 2016. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly a part of Del Monte Foods) from August 2011 to March 2015, one of the world’s largest pure-play pet food and treats company at that time. Mr. West oversaw the creation of approximately $2 billion of equity value for investors during his tenure as CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands, where he repositioned the business to increase focus on growth and innovation, launched new products, enhanced specialty pet distribution channels, led the company through its rebrand and oversaw the company’s sale to The J. M. Smucker Company in March 2015. He then served The J. M. Smucker Company as President, Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks until March 2016 and as a Senior Advisor until April 2016.
Mr. West previously served as CEO, President and director of Hershey from 2007 to May 2011. Under his leadership, Hershey increased its investment in domestic and international operations, improved the effectiveness of its supply chain and business model, and accelerated its advertising, brand building and distribution programs. Prior serving as CEO, Mr. West spent a decade in various leadership roles at Hershey, including serving as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Customer Officer, and Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. Prior to Hershey, Mr. West held a range of senior positions at the Nabisco Biscuit and Snacks group, including Senior Vice President, Finance, and Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Planning.
Mr. West is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Advantage Solutions Inc. and Simply Good Foods and was a member of the Board of Directors of Hershey (from 2007 to 2011), Del Monte Foods (from 2011 to 2014), Big Heart Pet Brands (from 2014 to 2015) and The J. M. Smucker Company (from 2015 to 2016). He received a bachelor of science degree, cum laude, in Business Administration from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
About Freshpet
Freshpet is the leading fresh food for dogs and cats. Since its conception in 2006, Freshpet has been on a mission to transform the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, nutritious food, while pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. The recipes are developed by Veterinarian Nutritionists and made with natural whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, which are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness. Sustainably-made in Bethlehem, PA and their new Kitchens in Ennis TX, Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet fridges in your local market, or are delivered direct to your door.
Freshpet is available in a growing number of mass, grocery, natural food, club, and pet specialty retailers across the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as online in the U.S. for direct delivery and through its partnership with Petco. From the care taken in partnering with farmers whose values align with theirs, to how each recipe is made, Freshpet’s commitment to integrity, transparency and social responsibility is a point of pride.
Connect with Freshpet:
https://www.facebook.com/Freshpet
https://twitter.com/Freshpet
http://instagram.com/Freshpet
http://pinterest.com/Freshpet
https://www.tiktok.com/@freshpet
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the Company’s statements included herein constitute “forward-looking” statements, including statements related to the future impact of the novel coronavirus, the future progress of our Freshpet Kitchens expansion, future governance changes, our growth potential and plans, our projected or targeted operating results, our ability to meet our sustainability targets, goals, and commitments, including due to the impact of climate change, our expectations regarding our future operating and economic environment, and our long-term capacity planning. These statements are based on management’s current opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, not historical fact, and involve certain risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions. Actual results, levels of activity, performance, achievements and events could differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. While Freshpet believes that its assumptions are reasonable, it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible to anticipate all factors that could affect actual results. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements made herein, including potential costs associated with shareholder activism. For a detailed discussion of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date they are made. Freshpet undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication is being made in connection with the Company’s upcoming 2023 annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The Company intends to file a proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”), an accompanying WHITE proxy card and other relevant documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING. Security holders may obtain free copies of the Definitive Proxy Statement and other documents containing important information about Freshpet once such documents are filed with the SEC, free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents will also be available free of charge on the “Investors” section of Freshpet’s website at www.investors.freshpet.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
Freshpet, members of our Board of Directors and certain of our executive officers are “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company’s Board of Directors and executive officers and their respective interests in the Company, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023, as amended on May 1, 2023. To the extent such ownership interests have changed since such filings, such changes have been reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC, and will be reflected in the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting when filed with the SEC. Security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.
Investor Contact:
ICR
Jeff Sonnek
646-277-1263
Jeff.sonnek@icrinc.com
Media Contact:
Freshpet@edelmansmithfield.com
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