The specialty snack industry just witnessed a significant leadership transition as Truly Good Foods (TGF) announced the promotion of Eric Leonard to President, effective September 1, 2025. This strategic appointment marks more than just a title change—it represents a pivotal moment for the 48-year-old, women-owned company as it positions itself for accelerated growth in an increasingly competitive food and beverage landscape.
Leonard’s ascension to the presidency caps off a remarkable three-year journey within the organization, showcasing how strategic leadership development can drive both individual career growth and organizational success in the food service industry.
From CFO to President: A Strategic Career Progression
Eric Leonard’s path to the presidency exemplifies the kind of strategic leadership development that defines successful food and beverage companies. When he joined Truly Good Foods in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer, the company recognized not just his financial acumen but his potential for broader organizational impact.
The trajectory of Leonard’s career at TGF tells a story of expanding influence and proven results. After establishing himself as a trusted leader and visionary strategist in his CFO role, Leonard was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2024—a newly created position that reflected both his capabilities and the company’s evolving needs.
In his CSO role, Leonard’s responsibilities expanded dramatically to encompass Sales, Marketing, HR, IT, Supply Chain, and Finance. This cross-functional leadership experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of TGF’s operations, making him uniquely qualified to assume presidential responsibilities.
Presidential Mandate: Operations, Strategy, and Culture
As President, Leonard will assume full responsibility for leading TGF’s day-to-day operations while driving strategic direction and maintaining the cultural vision that has sustained the company for nearly five decades. This multi-faceted role reflects the complex demands facing food and beverage management in today’s market.
His presidential responsibilities include working closely with the executive team to drive sustainable growth, elevate the TGF brand, and ensure the organization continues delivering exceptional value to customers, partners, and employees. Beyond operational excellence, Leonard will play a key role in shaping the company’s long-term vision while reinforcing TGF’s commitment to innovation, culture, and customer experience.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the food and beverage industry, where companies must balance growth ambitions with operational efficiency, sustainability concerns, and evolving consumer preferences. Leonard’s comprehensive background positions him to navigate these challenges while maintaining TGF’s competitive edge in the specialty snack market.
Leadership Philosophy and Company Values
Angela Bauer, Chief Executive Officer of Truly Good Foods, highlighted Leonard’s alignment with company values in announcing the promotion. “Eric’s leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to our culture have been instrumental in our success,” Bauer noted. “As President, he will be uniquely positioned to accelerate our growth while fostering the values that make TGF a truly special place to work and do business.”
Since joining TGF, Leonard has consistently embodied the company’s SNACK values: Sparking growth and curiosity, Nurturing integrity, Advancing leadership, Captivating customers, and Kindling collaboration. This cultural alignment represents more than corporate rhetoric—it demonstrates how successful food and beverage companies integrate values-based leadership with operational excellence.
Leonard’s proven ability to unite teams, drive strategic growth, and elevate performance makes him well-equipped to guide Truly Good Foods through its next phase of expansion. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and innovation while maintaining the integrity that has defined TGF’s brand for decades.
The Truly Good Foods Legacy: 48 Years of Snacking Excellence
To understand the significance of Leonard’s appointment, it’s essential to appreciate TGF’s position in the food and beverage industry. As a women-owned, second-generation family-operated company headquartered in Charlotte, NC, TGF has specialized in quality snacking for more than 48 years.
The company’s foundation rests on bulk snack mixes, but its offerings have evolved to include over 2,000 manufactured and distributed products. This extensive portfolio ensures comprehensive snack programs for clients while maintaining the quality standards that have sustained TGF’s growth across multiple decades.
TGF’s recent expansion of its manufacturing facility, combined with five additional operating centers across the U.S., demonstrates the kind of strategic growth that Leonard will now oversee as President. The company’s approach—Premium, Familiar Ingredients + Fun Culinary Flavors + Functional Benefits—reflects current food and beverage trends toward quality, innovation, and health-conscious options.
Industry Implications and Market Position
Leonard’s promotion occurs within a broader context of transformation across the food service industry. Companies like TGF must navigate evolving consumer preferences, supply chain complexities, and competitive pressures while maintaining growth trajectories. The appointment of experienced leaders with cross-functional expertise has become increasingly critical for food and beverage companies seeking sustainable expansion.
The specialty snack segment continues experiencing robust growth, driven by consumer demand for convenient, high-quality options that deliver both taste and functional benefits. TGF’s position in this market, combined with Leonard’s strategic leadership, positions the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities while maintaining operational excellence.
For food and beverage professionals monitoring industry developments, Leonard’s promotion represents a case study in strategic leadership development. His progression from CFO to CSO to President demonstrates how companies can cultivate internal talent while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.
Strategic Growth Initiatives and Future Vision
Under Leonard’s leadership, TGF plans bold initiatives to grow its reach, enhance its brand, and set new standards for excellence in the specialty snack industry. These efforts will likely focus on expanding distribution channels, developing innovative products, and strengthening customer relationships across institutional and retail markets.
The company’s commitment to innovation, combined with Leonard’s strategic insight, suggests that TGF will continue evolving its product offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. This might include expanding into trending categories like adaptogen drinks, plant-based options, or high-protein alternatives that align with current food and beverage trends.
Leonard’s comprehensive understanding of TGF’s operations, from supply chain management to customer experience, positions him to identify growth opportunities while maintaining the operational efficiency that has sustained the company’s success. His leadership will be crucial as TGF navigates an increasingly competitive marketplace while preserving the family-operated culture that defines its identity.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Innovation and Momentum
Eric Leonard’s appointment as President ushers in what TGF describes as “a new era of innovation and momentum.” This transition represents more than organizational change—it signals the company’s commitment to strategic leadership development and long-term growth in the dynamic food and beverage industry.
For hospitality professionals and food service executives, Leonard’s promotion offers insights into effective leadership transitions within family-operated companies. His success demonstrates how businesses can maintain cultural integrity while embracing strategic evolution and growth.
The effective date of September 1, 2025, marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter for Truly Good Foods. With Leonard’s proven track record of driving results across multiple functions, combined with his deep understanding of TGF’s values and vision, the company appears well-positioned for continued success in the competitive specialty snack market.
As the food and beverage industry continues evolving, strategic leadership appointments like Leonard’s promotion highlight the importance of developing internal talent while maintaining the cultural elements that drive long-term success. For TGF, this transition represents both continuity and transformation—preserving the values that have sustained the company while embracing the strategic vision necessary for future growth.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
