Michael Axelrod Takes the Helm as CEO of Snak King to Propel Growth into New Era

Snak King Welcomes Michael Axelrod as New CEO

On October 6, 2025, Snak King, a major player in the snacks industry, officially announced the appointment of Michael Axelrod as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change marks a significant milestone for the company, which has established itself as one of the largest manufacturers of both private-label and branded salty snacks in the United States. Axelrod takes over from Barry Levin, who has been at the helm for over 40 years. Under Levin's leadership, Snak King has grown from a modest operation into a robust international enterprise.

A New Chapter in Leadership

Michael Axelrod steps into this key role with an impressive track record spanning more than 25 years within the consumer packaged goods sector. His previous experience includes senior executive roles at highly recognized companies such as TreeHouse Foods, Whirlpool Corporation, and Kraft/Mondelez Foods. Most notably, he served as CEO of Del Real Foods, where he led the company through substantial revenue growth and national expansion, positioning it for enduring success.

Upon accepting the CEO position, Axelrod expressed his excitement for the opportunity to guide Snak King, stating, "Barry has built an exceptional company with a reputation for quality, customer trust, and innovation. It's an honor to follow in his footsteps, and I look forward to working with the Snak King team to build on that foundation as we pursue the next phase of growth and value creation."

The Legacy of Barry Levin

Barry Levin's departure from the CEO role comes after decades of promoting Snak King's mission and enhancing its product line-up. Under his stewardship, the company evolved from a small, one-room manufacturer of pork rinds into a household name recognized for its diverse range of snack offerings, including tortilla chips, popcorn, and more. Even after stepping down, Levin will remain a pivotal part of the organization by serving on the Board of Directors.

Reflecting on his time with Snak King, Levin stated, "Building Snak King over the last four decades with so many remarkable teammates has been a great privilege, and I am proud of the business we have grown together. I am confident that Mike is the right leader to guide Snak King forward and continue to deliver for our customers, employees, and partners."

Future Prospects

Bill Lovette, a partner at Falfurrias Capital Partners — an investment firm with stakes in Snak King — also commended Axelrod's appointment, highlighting his solid background in driving growth and managing transitions. Lovette remarked, "Mike has a demonstrated record of driving growth and leading organizations through important transitions. His combination of operational discipline, customer orientation, and strategic vision makes him the right leader to guide Snak King into its next chapter."

Founded in 1978 and situated in City of Industry, California, Snak King produces an extensive array of products, from private-label offerings for leading retailers to their well-known in-house brands such as El Sabroso and The Whole Earth. The company continues to prioritize quality and customer experience, ensuring its place in a highly competitive market.

Conclusion

With Michael Axelrod at the helm, the future looks promising for Snak King. His leadership is expected to build on the solid foundation laid by Barry Levin, continuing to enhance the company’s position in the snack food industry. As Snak King embarks on this new journey, stakeholders and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how this leadership change shapes the company’s growth and innovation strategies for years to come.