Monisha Dabek Elevated to COO: A New Era for Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Ocean Spray Promotes Monisha Dabek to Chief Operating Officer

In a significant move aimed at modernizing its operations, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. has announced the promotion of Monisha Dabek to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Dabek, who has been with the company since March 2021, previously served as the Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager for the USA. Her new position involves overseeing the USA Commercial business, Global Branded Ingredients, the Supply Chain, and the Research and Development teams, along with Sustainability initiatives.

This promotion is seen as part of Ocean Spray's broader strategy to enhance efficiency and modernize internal processes, making stronger use of technology. Tom Hayes, President and CEO of Ocean Spray, believes that Dabek's experience and creative leadership will provide the right direction for the cooperative as it embraces new opportunities and challenges. "Monisha has demonstrated clear results for our members and is well-positioned to lead the strategy and execution of our business operations end-to-end," Hayes stated.

Under Dabek's leadership as Chief Commercial Officer, she successfully spearheaded a comprehensive brand and portfolio renewal. Notably, she led the launch of compelling initiatives such as the "Just Add Cran™" campaign and introduced an exciting Zero Sugar platform that has opened new avenues for the brand. Her teamwork and foresight during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic were instrumental, helping the organization navigate supply chain disruptions and inflationary challenges that arose during this period.

Dabek's growth within the company is a testament to her strategic vision and commitment to revitalizing the brand, ultimately resulting in increased consumer engagement with Ocean Spray products. "Our cooperative is ushering in a new era aimed at delivering our unique products across the globe while enhancing returns for our farmer-owners," remarked Dabek, underscoring that the organization’s mission transcends mere profitability to include a commitment to supporting family farms.

Prior to joining Ocean Spray, Dabek gained extensive experience working in various leadership roles in reputed companies such as Danone and WhiteWave Foods. Her tenure with Danone included influential positions focused on Plant-Based Food and Beverage sectors and the successful launch of the popular multi-serve cold brew coffee brand, Stok. Dabek also honed her skills in sales and strategic leadership with global giants including PepsiCo and Accenture, showcasing her well-rounded expertise in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

With her promotion, the future looks promising for Ocean Spray, as it navigates a competitive market landscape. The cooperative, founded in 1930 by pioneering farmers, continues to be a vibrant entity representing about 700 farmer families united by a shared passion for cranberries. Dabek's leadership is set to further reinforce this legacy while driving the cooperative's operational strategies moving forward.

As Ocean Spray looks ahead to its next century, with Dabek at the helm of its operations, there's a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability, key components that can lead to long-term success. The dedication to uplifting the farmer community remains at the company's core, promising a bright future for both Ocean Spray and the families it supports.

In conclusion, Monisha Dabek's ascendancy to COO signifies a pivotal shift for Ocean Spray, which is committed to harnessing technological advancements and efficient operational strategies to enhance its brand presence and product offerings globally. Her dynamic leadership stands as a beacon guiding the cooperative towards its ambitious goals and fulfilling its profound mission of empowering family farms across North America and beyond.