Ocean Spray Selects Abigail Buckwalter to Lead Company

Ocean Spray Cranberries, an agricultural cooperative owned by an estimated 700 family farmers, has named Abigail Buckwalter as its next president and chief executive officer.

Buckwalter takes over for Tom Hayes, who retired from the company in March after serving in the leadership role for five years. She brings 20 years of experience as a global leader in the consumer goods and healthcare industries, joining Ocean Spray from Nestlé Health Science U.S., where she led for the past three years as CEO.

During her time with Nestlé, Buckwalter helped develop the organization's strategic direction, overseeing portfolio reviews and business turnarounds, while also introducing operational efficiencies and accelerated innovation pipelines.

Chairman of Ocean Spray's board, Peter Dhillon, stated Buckwalter was selected to lead for her instincts that build brands to last, her people-first, human-centered approach to leadership, and her track record of operational excellence and innovation. 

Buckwalter said she joined the company during an "incredibly dynamic tipping point in consumer behavior and buying habits."

"In my two decades working in consumer-packaged goods, I've learned what's possible when consumer obsession and operational excellence come together," she said in a statement.