Satyaki Lodh Named CIO at Utz Brands
Satyaki Lodh has been named senior VP and CIO of Utz Brands, where he’ll lead the snack company’s IT organization.
Most recently CIO at Borden Dairy, Lodh will have ownership over Utz’s technology infrastructure, data, and insights to support its growing national footprint. He’ll report to Ajay Kataria, Utz executive VP and CFO.
Lodh spent more than three years at Borden Dairy, according to his LinkedIn, which notes that he was that company’s first CIO in seven years. He has more than three decades of IT experience across various industries, including more than a decade at Snyder’s-Lance, where he managed the application infrastructure supporting its DSD operations as its VP of enterprise applications.
[See also: Utz Exec Changes Name Devore COO, Kataria IT Leader]
The Hanover, PA-based Utz, which includes such brands as On the Border, Chips & Dips, Golden Flake, and Zapp’s in its portfolio, recently picked up two regional distributors in order to expand its DSD footprint. Its growth strategy has also included the acquisition of artisan chip and cracker food company R.W. Garcia Holdings in December for $56 million, which came with manufacturing facilities in North Carolina.
Utz also acquired chip manufacturer Festida Foods last year in a $41 million deal.
In a statement, Kataria highlighted Lodh’s experience in delivering business-driving tech solutions, as well as his track record in leading IT operations.
“He has extensive knowledge of DSD operations, and I am confident that Satyaki and his team will execute a focused IT vision and strategy that will help drive profitable growth,” Kataria noted.
Utz, which merged with Collier Creek Holdings in 2020 to become a publicly owned company, distributes through grocery, club, mass merchant, convenience, drug and other channels. It operates 17 facilities in 11 states.
