B&G Foods has appointed Robert “Rob” D. Mills as its new President and Chief Executive Officer as the packaged-food company moves into another phase of its business transformation.

Mills succeeds Casey Keller, who retired as President, CEO and a member of the board at the end of last week.

The appointment comes as B&G Foods focuses on reshaping its portfolio, improving margins and cash flow, reducing debt and leverage, and strengthening overall business performance.

Mills has served on B&G Foods’ Board of Directors since March 2018, giving him eight years of familiarity with the company’s brands, operations and strategic challenges.

Mills Brings Transformation Experience

Mills joins B&G Foods after more than a decade in senior leadership roles at Tractor Supply Company.

Since joining Tractor Supply in 2014, he held positions spanning strategy, business operations, digital commerce, technology, artificial intelligence and M&A, with direct profit-and-loss responsibility.

Most recently, Mills served as Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Digital and Pet Services.

His responsibilities included establishing Tractor Supply’s technology direction, overseeing digital operations and contributing to the company’s long-term strategic direction, including M&A. He also oversaw the company’s veterinary and pet pharmacy operations and Petsense retail business.

Before Tractor Supply, Mills held senior leadership positions at Ulta Beauty and Sears Holding.

Technology and AI Become Part of the Strategy

One of the most notable elements of Mills’ appointment is his emphasis on digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Mills said these capabilities can help companies drive growth, improve productivity, make faster and better decisions and transform how businesses operate.

For B&G Foods, that could mean applying digital tools, data analytics and AI across areas such as operations, decision-making and productivity while continuing to focus on its established consumer brands.

Mills also emphasized the importance of disciplined portfolio management, capital allocation and execution.

Focus Turns to Growth and Financial Discipline

B&G Foods enters the leadership transition with several priorities already identified.

The company is seeking to strengthen its core brands while improving margins and cash generation. Reducing debt and leverage is another important component of the strategy.

Mills said his immediate priorities will be execution, operating discipline and accelerating growth.

That focus could be particularly important as B&G Foods attempts to create sustainable long-term value while managing its existing portfolio.

A CEO Already Familiar With the Business

Unlike an outside executive coming into an unfamiliar organization, Mills already has substantial knowledge of B&G Foods after serving on its board for eight years.

B&G Foods Chair Stephen C. Sherrill said Mills understands the company’s business, brands, employees and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The board also highlighted his experience leading transformation and operating at scale, suggesting that the company expects him to move quickly on its strategic priorities.

Market Outlook

Robert Mills’ appointment gives B&G Foods a CEO with a combination of board-level knowledge of the company and experience in digital transformation, technology, AI, M&A and business operations. His immediate challenge will be turning those capabilities into measurable improvements in growth, margins and cash flow while reducing leverage. For investors, the key indicators to watch will be whether the new leadership can strengthen B&G Foods’ core brands, improve operating performance and use technology and disciplined capital allocation to create sustainable long-term value.