Sauer Brands Announces Executive Appointments to Support Continued Growth

Jeremiah Ashukian Appointed Chief Financial Officer, Wendy Fiel Joined as General Counsel and Tom Lee Joining as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sauer Brands, Inc., a leading food company, today announced key leadership appointments that will support the Company’s continued robust growth, expanded distribution, and strategic transformation: Jeremiah Ashukian has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective July 14; Wendy Fiel joined as General Counsel, effective June 30; Tom Lee has been named Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, effective July 14.

These three executives will report directly to CEO Yuri Hermida and join the Executive Leadership Team, working alongside senior leaders Clay Matthews (Chief Operating Officer), Brad Wile (Chief Growth Officer), Paula Benedetto (Chief Sales Officer), and April Timmons (Chief People Officer).

These appointments come as Sauer Brands continues to invest in people, brands, and capabilities to meet increasing consumer demand across its product portfolio, which includes brands like Duke’s Mayo, Mateo’s Salsa and Kernel Season’s, as well as other flavor-enhancing products distributed nationally through retail and foodservice channels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeremiah, Wendy, and Tom to Sauer Brands at such a pivotal time,” said Yuri Hermida, CEO of Sauer Brands. “As we scale our business and accelerate strategic investments, having world-class leaders with deep industry experience and functional expertise is critical. Jeremiah, Wendy, and Tom are exactly the kind of proven, people-first leaders who will help us sustain our momentum and build for the future.”

Ashukian brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience in the consumer food industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Krispy Kreme, where he helped drive global financial performance and expansion. Prior to that, he spent over two decades at Mars, holding CFO roles across North and South America in the confectionery segment. Throughout his career, he has led high-impact financial initiatives that enabled sustained growth, operational excellence and value creation.

Fiel brings more than 20 years of legal leadership experience in the consumer goods sector and as a litigator in private practice. Most recently, she served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Sabra Dipping Company, where she established and led the legal department and provided strategic counsel across the business, including marketing, human resources, quality and food safety, and procurement. Prior to Sabra, she held senior legal roles at Heineken USA and The Nature’s Bounty Co., where she supported major brand portfolios and innovation teams. Her expertise spans legal strategy, compliance, and risk management in fast-paced, regulated environments.

Lee brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy, M&A, and corporate finance. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and M&A at Sovos Brands, where he led enterprise-wide initiatives focused on growth and value creation, helping build the company’s strategic platform and contributing to its successful sale to Campbell’s in March 2024. Prior to Sovos Brands, he spent ten years at J.P. Morgan as a senior investment banker advising clients in the consumer sector on strategic M&A and capital markets transactions.

About Sauer Brands

Sauer Brands, Inc. is a privately held, high-growth food company with a portfolio of beloved brands and a mission to “Make Life Taste Better.” Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company is known for its commitment to flavor, quality, and innovation across a wide range of condiments, spices, sauces, and more. Sauer Brands is backed by Advent International.