Radi spent seven years with Rudi’s, responsible for setting and overseeing key growth initiatives. He started as VP of Marketing in 2007, working his way to interim GM in 2014.
He now returns to Rudi’s following a successful run as CEO of Good Karma Foods, expanding the fast-growing brand in the plant-based dairy category into new segments and channels, and securing a majority investment from Dean Foods.
His 25-year career in the consumer good space has also included executive positions with PepsiCo, The Hain Celestial Group, Silk Soymilk and Horizon Organic. Radi is a board member of the Plant Based Foods Association and former president of Naturally Boulder, a non-profit with a mission to enhance the natural and organic products industry in Colorado.
“As former member of the leadership team and long-term admirer of the Rudi’s brand, I am honoured to return and serve as CEO,” said Radi.
“Over the last few years, Rudi’s has successfully positioned itself as the one of the leading brands in the US natural channel segment, with an overall sales growth of 8% LTM.
“Organic continues to be one of the fastest growing consumer food segments in the US, and we see a great opportunity to gain market share through our innovative products.
“As CEO, I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this significant momentum.”
Bread worth making is bread worth sharing
Rudi’s was founded in 1976, producing bread that only consisted of simple, organic ingredients. Following its ethos of mixing old-world traditional and modern bread-making approaches, its products contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup or trans-fat.
Today, the bakery manufacturer offers an assortment of freshly-baked, small-batch breads, rolls and bagels in the organic and gluten-free space.
“Under Doug’s direction, we updated Rudi's visual identity to reflect our family-friendly ‘Baked on the Bright Side’ brand positioning and launch our differentiated gluten-free line of bakery products,” said Jane Miller, former CEO of Rudi’s who recently re-joined Rudi’s Board of Directors.
“Doug brings extensive knowledge of the category, strong personal leadership and a strong commitment to the Rudi’s legacy and potential. These attributes make him the perfect CEO for Rudi’s next phase of growth. I am thrilled to be able to work with Doug again as he takes the business to new heights.”
Rudi’s chairperson Cem Karakas added, “We’re excited to welcome Doug back as CEO of Rudi’s at such an inflection point in the Company’s history.
“Doug has a successful and proven track record in the consumer packaged goods industry – specifically the natural products category. We are thrilled that Rudi’s will once again benefit from both Doug’s and Jane’s leadership as we continue to execute on our growth strategy and vision.”