Barber Foods Announces Executive Changes

David Barber will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Barber Foods, effective February 11, 2011.   David will succeed Bruce Wagner who came to Barber Foods in November of 2007 to help the company operate during a challenging period coined as the “great recession.” Bruce’s departure is exactly what was envisioned when the company first contracted with his company, Traverse CEO, LLC.  He is delighted to see leadership restored to the Barber family and congratulates David Barber on his exciting, new role.

More than 40 years ago, David Barber received his first paycheck from Barber Foods. After graduating from Babson College in 1981, David began his career at Barber Foods working in manufacturing.  He went on to lead the retail sales team and will come full circle when he takes the helm of the company that his father founded in 1955. David looks forward to taking on the role of President and CEO - held previously by his father, Augustus, and brother, Stephen – with great excitement, dedication and optimism.

At an internal meeting announcing the changes to Barber Foods Associates, David remarked “Bruce led us through an extremely challenging business environment. He implemented several processes that both enabled us to have positive financials during the recession and improve our safety, quality and service foundational pillars. Everyone at Barber Foods deeply appreciates Bruce’s efforts and we all wish him continued success with his Traverse CEO management business.” Under Bruce's leadership, Barber Foods made tremendous strides and launched several notable initiatives:

• Advancing Barber Foods’ brand identity, in large part due to the first television media campaign
• Establishing industry leading food safety systems that earned Barber Foods a best-in-class Safe Quality Food rating of 99.7%
• Implementing a robust new product development stage gate process that has loaded the new product funnel with higher value entrees and appetizers
• Keeping associate well-being foremost through all the changes and significantly reducing lost work days toward our zero lost days goal

During the next two months, Bruce and David will work together to transition leadership of the organization.  Everyone at the company is excited to continue utilizing processes that have been implemented over the past 3 years and is fully aligned in support of David’s strong and charismatic leadership.

Barber Foods, founded in 1955, is a family business focused on developing "unexpected and satisfying entrees for grown-up tastes," and is the premier maker of Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breasts and other frozen prepared Chicken specialties are distributed throughout the United States and selected international locations to the Grocery, Warehouse Club and Food Service establishments.

For additional information, contact Mark Dvorozniak, Vice President Brand Marketing at Mark_Dvorozniak@barberfoods.com or at (207) 482-5500.