#United States #Ontario #Ajinomoto Foods #Dave Gardner #specialty frozen foods

Ajinomoto Foods North America Welcomes New Leadership

On May 13, 2026, Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA) officially announced the appointment of Dave Gardner as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Taking over the helm from Hiroshi Kaho, who has moved on to a senior role in the parent company, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Gardner steps into a pivotal position aimed at enhancing the company's strategic direction.

Gardner brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having more than 35 years in the food industry. His most recent position was as AFNA's Chief Supply Chain Officer, where he successfully oversaw significant operational functions across eight U.S. production facilities. During his tenure, he successfully partnered with the former CEO to implement strategies that strengthened operations, focusing particularly on instilling a people-first culture and fostering a collaborative environment.

Throughout his career, Gardner has advocated for a data-driven approach to decision-making, leading a cost transformation initiative that resulted in $35 million in savings within its first year. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the company’s capacity while optimizing its manufacturing asset allocation.

A Vision for Innovation and Growth

The assignment comes at an opportune time for AFNA, which is navigating a solid market position with numerous growth opportunities in both retail and foodservice channels. Recent reports indicate that U.S. frozen food retail sales are exceeding $90 billion annually with specific segments, such as frozen snacks and ethnic foods, particularly thriving with a growth rate between 7% and 10% per year.

AFNA's portfolio, which includes beloved brands like Ajinomoto®, José Olé®, Ling Ling®, and Tai Pei®, stands out in the marketplace due to its emphasis on authentic global flavors and innovations that appeal to diverse consumer tastes. Gardner's predecessor, Hiroshi Kaho, noted, “Dave is the right leader at the right moment. AFNA has built a strong foundation with a clear purpose, and a portfolio that is uniquely positioned for where consumers are heading.”

Key Priorities for the Future

As CEO, Gardner has outlined three initial priorities to guide AFNA into its next phase:
1. Elevating operational excellence across the organization.
2. Accelerating innovation within brand-building strategies to enhance the company’s presence both in-store and within foodservice markets.
3. Developing a skilled bench of leaders aligned with AFNA’s core purpose of making everyday eating a delightful experience.

Gardner commented, “AFNA is positioned for growth. We possess a unique culture allowing us to attract and retain top talent, backed by our extensive research and development capabilities.” He expressed his aim to elevate Ajinomoto as a recognized brand that embraces well-being through authentic culinary experiences.

Conclusion

Gardner holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical and biochemical engineering from Western University in Ontario, Canada. His commitment to food innovation and operational efficiency makes him a suitable candidate to lead Ajinomoto Foods North America as it navigates future challenges and opportunities in the specialty frozen food market. With a clear strategy focused on consumer engagement and product innovation, AFNA is poised for a successful future under Gardner's leadership.

For more information about Ajinomoto Foods North America, visit www.ajinomotofoods.com.