• VeraSun Energy Corp., the nation's second-largest ethanol producer, announced two additions to its management team. Bob Antoine willmove into his new role as senior vice president ofhuman resources, bringing more than 25 years ofexperience to the position. Peter Atkins alsojoins VeraSun as the new vice president of mergers and acquisitions. He will be responsible for business development, focusing on opportunities in mergers and acquisitions.Atkins has more than 25 years experience in regional bankingand agriculture, his most recent position as community bankingdistrict president of Wells Fargo Bank.

  • UST Inc. announced the election of MurrayKessler as chief executive officer of the company's board of director, effective Jan. 1, 2007.Kessler succeeds Vincent Girer who will retire asCEO at the end of this year and serve as non-executive chairman of the UST board of directors.Kessler has been president and chief operatingofficer of UST, as well as a board member since November2005. He joined the company seven years ago with more than18 years of consumer packaged goods experience at companies including Campbell Soup and Clorox.

  • Core-Mark Holding Co. Inc. announced that Stacy Loretz-Congdon has been named senior vice president and chieffinancial officer. She has worked for the company for 16 yearsin various roles, her most recent serving as vice president,treasurer and assistant secretary. Loretz-Congdon's financialplanning and analysis experience and certified public accountant status will prove invaluable in her new role.
  • Federal Industries recently named JohnMinahan to serve as the company's new president. He will assume responsibility for the management of operations and products worldwide,and will help the company continue to grow as anindustry leader in bakery and deli display caselines. Minahan was promoted from his previousposition of director of sales and marketing, and has over 26years of experience in foodservice management.
  • John Barber has been named Hot StuffFoods' new executive vice president of development. Barber will lead the company's franchiseand license sales efforts with his strategic management, sales and development skills. Prior tojoining Hot Stuff Foods, Barber served as vicepresident of member development and memberservices for Foodbuy LLC, where he doubled the company'srepresented purchasing volume by acquiring a large base ofnew clients.
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