Ocean Spray Cranberries named 25-year industry veteran Brad Hartzell chief supply chain officer as it continues to reshape its leadership team, according to a Sept. 21 press release.
Hartzell will oversee supply chain and operations capabilities for the agricultural cooperative known for its cranberry juices and sauces, as well as the Craisins brand of dried fruit. He will replace Earl Larson, who will retire at the end of September following nearly 22 years with the company, according to the release.
Prior to joining the Lakeville, Massachusetts-based company, Hartzell spent two years as the chief operating officer for beauty and body solutions at personal care manufacturer Kdc/One. He also served as chief operating officer for food ingredient maker NovaTaste between 2020 and 2024, per his LinkedIn profile.
Hartzell spent the bulk of his career with International Flavor and Fragrances, holding roles within multiple functions across 19 years with the company, culminating in his tenure as VP of global savory solutions operations.
Alongside Hartzell’s appointment, Ocean Spray also tapped Kevin Zidron as chief strategy and transformation officer. With experience from roles at Nestlé Health Science, Vital Proteins and Kraft Heinz, Zidron is tasked with leading enterprise strategy, transformation, value capture, project management, commercial strategy and insights for the company.
Both hirings come just months after Ocean Spray installed former Nestlé Health Science chief executive Abigail Buckwalter as president and CEO.
“We have an opportunity to build on what makes Ocean Spray unique while creating the capabilities needed for our next chapter,” Buckwalter said in a statement. “Kevin and Brad bring the leadership and expertise to help us move faster, sharpen execution and deliver on our priorities.”
