The management team has built a firm foundation on which to build the company, as evidenced by continuing growth in revenues and earnings. In addition to financial success, NatureSweet has made much progress in the areas of hiring talented and knowledgeable managers with produce and packaged goods experience in all areas of our operations.
Bryant Ambelang is our Chief Executive Officer and President. With a BA in Government and Politics from University of Texas, Dallas and an MBA from University of Denver, Bryant has used his expertise to grow the NatureSweet brand for more than ten 10 years. Prior to joining our team, his successes included brand management and sales for Kellogg’s, Pace Foods and Campbell Soup Company.
Adrian Almeida is our vice president of manufacturing and human capital. He gained his education from a number of schools, including a BA in business administration from Instituto Technologico de Merida, a master’s degree in organizational development from INESPO and several graduate studies from Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey and York University among others. Since 2005, Adrian has been dedicated to “Unleashing the Power of People” through strategic management of human capital, manufacturing, and organizational effectiveness. His past experience includes director of human resources and strategic planning for Grupo Desc and director of human resources and communications for Rhodia.
Kathryn Ault is our vice president of sales. Kathryn joined NatureSweet in 2002, and currently leads a team of Divisional Sales Managers throughout the United States and the management of the executive relationship with our customers. Kathryn was Marketing Director with NatureSweet before assuming responsibility for the Sales team. Prior to joining NatureSweet, Kathryn spent 15 years working for Pillsbury Europe and 2 years at the Minneapolis HQ of Pillsbury. She holds a BA Hons. in Geography from Liverpool University, England.
Armando C. Llanes is our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President. Armando joined NatureSweet in 2001. He is responsible for all aspects of the financial function, both in the U.S. and Mexico, including treasury operations, credit collections and banking relations; financial reporting; accounting; audit; fiscal planning and taxation; financial planning, as well as overseeing Business Technology. Before joining NatureSweet, he held during 20 years, positions of increased responsibilities in finance and business development in North America, Central America, South America and Europe, with consumer packaged goods companies such as Wyeth Laboratories, Seagram’s International, Tropicana International, PepsiCo and Pennzoil Quaker State International. His education includes a BA from Queens College; MBA in international finance from Adelphi University; executive management program at INSEAD; certified public accountant, State of New York.
Dave Shaver is our vice president of quality assurance and packing. With a BS in food science from Cornell University, Dave launched his career working for brands such as Pace Foods, Kraft Foods and Lender’s Bagels. His experience includes everything from quality control to production to industrial engineering to human capital. Dave joined NatureSweet in 1999 and since then has overseen all operations within our packing facilities and has been responsible for our quality assurance and food safety processes.