Kincannon & Reed Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Izzio Artisan Bakery
March 7, 2025 – Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Clamp as the new chief operating officer of Izzio Artisan Bakery. “Rob’s extensive experience in commercial baking and his proven ability to drive operational efficiency make him the ideal candidate for this role with Izzio,” said Kimberly Bretz, managing director. “His ability to implement effective KPIs and manage large-scale capital projects will be invaluable as Izzio continues its growth trajectory.”
“Rob is a dynamic and engaging leader, known for his ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of collaboration,” said Lisa Johnson, managing director. “His hands-on approach, strategic mindset, and commitment to accountability will be invaluable as he helps drive Izzio’s continued growth and success.”
Mr. Clamp brings over a decade of experience in the bakery industry, with a strong focus on implementing key performance indicators, change management, and process improvement. His leadership journey began as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, followed by roles at Amazon, Dave’s Killer Bread, and most recently as general manager at Canyon Bakehouse.
In his new role as COO, Mr. Clamp will lead daily manufacturing operations, spearhead process improvements, and collaborate across teams to drive Izzio’s strategic vision. He will play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and shaping the company’s growth. His expertise will be instrumental in upcoming capital projects, including the launch of Izzio’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, ensuring a seamless transition into this exciting next chapter.
“Thank you to the team at Kincannon & Reed for this outstanding opportunity,” Mr. Clamp said in a LinkedIn post.
Founded in 1994 in Louisville, CO, Izzio Artisan Bakery has grown into a leading name in organic sourdough bread. Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, Izzio collaborates with local farmers and millers to create custom, non-GMO flours with 100 percent traceability from farm to loaf.
Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed serves clients throughout the world from locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The firm is based in Arlington, VA. Kincannon & Reed’s mission is: “We recruit leaders for organizations that feed the world and keep it healthy.”
Ms. Bretz concentrates on the CPG, food, food & beverage, food & CPG, and food & ingredients sectors. Her extensive search portfolio spans a range of functional roles, demonstrating her expertise in identifying and securing top talent in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the food manufacturing (CPG), ingredients, flavors and capital equipment sectors.
Related: Kincannon & Reed Fills CEO Position for Topigs Norsvin
Ms. Johnson focuses on the food & beverage, food distribution & retail, and food safety industries. She has expertise working with clients seeking general managers, presidents, and CEOs, as well as senior functional executives in marketing, sales, finance, business development, R&D, and food safety.
Past Assignment
Kincannon & Reed recently placed Douglas Kaye as the new CEO of American Vanguard Corporation in Newport Beach, CA. Heinrich Gugger and Stephen Coffey spearheaded the search. Eric G. Wintemute concluded his position as CEO with American Vanguard this past summer. “We are excited to welcome Dak to American Vanguard,” said Scott Baskin, lead director of the board. “His appointment is the result of a comprehensive search process that attracted many outstanding candidates. We are pleased that Dak has agreed to join American Vanguard to spearhead the next phase of the company’s business transformation. We believe that Dak is the right executive to drive the company to achieve its transformation goal of generating an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15 percent and to strategically position the company for future growth.”
Kincannon & Reed Fills Senior Operations Role for MPS Egg Farms
Kincannon & Reed has assisted in the recruitment of Edward Chisholm as vice president of operations at MPS Egg Farms in North Manchester, IN. “A future-focused leader, Edward has a demonstrated track record of success in optimizing operational performance,” said Jim Gerardot, Jr., managing director at Kincannon & Reed. “His ability to build high performing teams and healthy cultures through transparency will benefit him greatly as the vice president of operations for MPS Egg Farms.”
“I also want to thank the members of the office of the CEO for their leadership in the interim,” he said. “While managing several significant changes simultaneously, they also jumpstarted the business transformation and the company has greatly benefited from their hard work and dedication.”
Mr. Kaye brings extensive experience to American Vanguard and is expected to lead the company into a new era of growth and innovation. For the past 13 years, he has served in a variety of senior leadership roles at Albaugh, LLC, a top ten global crop protection company. Mr. Kaye most recently held the role of president, North America, which is the largest region in the company.
Related: Kincannon & Reed Recruits President and CEO for CropLife America
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
