Food processing equipment developer SinnovaTek appoints Jim Holbrook as chairman

SinnovaTek has appointed Jim Holbrook to become chairman of the board of directors, a veteran CPG (consumer packaged goods) executive. In his new role with SinnovaTek, Holbrook will be a key advisor to the business as it continues to expand its current operations and refine its B2B strategy.

SinnovaTek of Raleigh, NC, is a developer and integrator of advanced food processing equipment and technology through its family of companies including SinnoVita and FirstWave.

“The team and the technology at SinnovaTek are both impressive, and I see a robust growth curve for them. I am delighted to join the team and cheer them on,” said Holbrook.

Michael Druga, co-founder, president and CEO of SinnovaTek states “we are very pleased to have Jim joining us and committed to playing an ongoing role in the executive leadership of SinnovaTek.

“As we continue to drive significant growth in our co-manufacturing business, it will be incredibly important we have the right voices at the table – those that are experienced in business operations, and also those that share our mission of promoting health and wellness via a sustainable supply chain.”

Most recently, Holbrook was the CEO of Daymon Worldwide, a Stamford, CT-based corporation that provides marketing, branding, and market research data analysis services intended to create leading private brands, focused on exceptional consumer experience. At Daymon, he oversaw the company’s merger with Advantage, creating “the most comprehensive suite of brand-centric and retailer-centric services in the U.S. and internationally.”

Prior to joining Daymon in 2015, Holbrook served as the president & CEO of Post Consumer Brands, which at the time, comprised of Post’s cereal business, as well as Power Bar and other company acquisitions in the nutrition products category. He has also held roles at Zipatoni, Interpublic Group, Ralston Purina (now Nestle Purina), and Procter & Gamble, with increased levels of responsibility. Jim is also currently a member of the Board of Zea BioSciences, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology firm that specializes in developing high-quality botanical ingredients for use in consumer and pharmaceutical applications.

The recent appointment follows a $5M investment in the company by Lewis & Clark AgriFood, a St. Louis-based AgTech and FoodTech investment firm, which was announced in mid-July.