Clif Bar names Grimes CEO

Clif Bar & Co. has announced that Sally Grimes has been named the company’s new chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2020. As CEO, Grimes will apply her 25 years of experience as a food industry leader to Clif’s purpose-driven “Five Aspiration” business model, focusing on sustaining People, Community, Planet, Brands, and Business. With the appointment of Grimes, Clif Bar founder, owners, and current co-CEOs Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford will remain on the company’s board of directors.

Most recently, Grimes served as group president at Tyson Foods, where she was responsible for the $10 billion prepared foods business. In this role, she drove record growth and spearheaded the development of some of the company’s most successful and innovative initiatives. Before joining Tyson Foods, Grimes held senior leadership positions at Kraft Foods, Newell Rubbermaid, and The Hillshire Brands Co.

“Growth has a broader meaning at Clif Bar. To us, it’s an opportunity to take care of people, be of service to our communities and help build a more equitable and sustainable food system,” said Erickson in a press release. “Sally’s passion for what makes Clif unique will benefit our company culture, and her track record for innovative thinking will help take us to the next level. We are thrilled to have Sally leading us forward.”