Kai Bockmann

Sacramento-based Blue Diamond Growers — an influential grower cooperative with more than 50% U.S. market share for snack almonds — announced it has hired a new president and CEO who is a veteran of the dairy industry.

Dan Cummings, Blue Diamond board chair, announced Monday that Kai Bockmann has been selected to lead the cooperative effective Jan. 17, 2023. He succeeds Mark Jansen, who recently announced plans to step down after 12 years as CEO.

Bockmann most recently served as president and chief operating officer at Montreal-based Saputo Inc. — one of the world’s largest dairy companies — where he led operations that included 67 plants and 18,000 employees across the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom.

That includes Saputo facilities in Tulare.

“The search process went well, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome,” said Cummings. “Kai has more than a quarter of a century of global experience growing CPG companies, and we believe he is the leader we need to keep building our business and brand domestically and internationally, while continuing to deliver superior returns to our grower-owners.”

From 2017 to 2021, Bockmann and his team at Saputo grew revenue from $11 billion to $14 billion. From 2012 to 2021, the international business he led grew from less than $500 million to more than $4 billion.

Prior to Saputo Inc., Bockmann was at McCain — the world’s largest producer of frozen potatoes — where he served as president of the international division and accelerated international sales across 60 export markets, doubling revenues over four years.

“I’m excited by this phenomenal opportunity to join one of the most consistent and fastest-growing food and beverage companies in the world,” said Bockmann. “I look forward to learning from growers and team members and keeping our immediate focus on maintaining business continuity and growth momentum.”

Cummings said the Board, Bockmann, Jansen, and the entire experienced executive team at Blue Diamond will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition in leadership over the next few months.

“We’re grateful for Mark’s support during the search and his commitment to helping set Kai and the cooperative up for continued success,” said Cummings. “We’re building from 112 years of success, and we know the future is bright for Blue Diamond because no one knows how to get almonds from growers’ farms to families worldwide better than us.”

Cummings said Blue Diamond’s snack almond business has more than a 50% market share in the United States and that Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze is the leading almond milk brand in the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa. In 2021, the company’s net sales totaled $1.6 billion.