Ardent Mills Names New CEO

Ardent Mills, a flour-milling and ingredient company, has appointed Sheryl Wallace as its new chief executive officer, effective July 8, 2024.

Wallace has served on Ardent Mills' board since 2020 and most recently serves as the president of US origination and grain at Cargill. She brings nearly 30 years of experience and a successful track record of leadership in business growth, strategy, commercial, trading, and risk management in the food and agriculture industries. 

She takes the role as Ardent Mills' current CEO,Dan Dye announced his retirement earlier this month following a decade of service. Dye will continue to serve in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition through this summer. 

"Sheryl's unwavering dedication to Ardent Mills' core values — trust, serving, simplicity, and safety — has been clear throughout her tenure on the Ardent Mills Board," said Ardent Mills Board Member Dave Marberger. "Her exceptional ability to cultivate a culture of empowerment and drive innovative growth uniquely positions her to lead Ardent Mills into its next chapter. Sheryl's track record in the agribusiness sector, combined with her ability to foster strong relationships, will inspire teams and enhance partnerships with customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders." 

Previously, Wallace served as Cargill's corporate vice president and global leader of the Risk Management Group, managing fiduciary oversight across commodity markets, credit risks and balance sheet exposures. Wallace has also served on the National Grain and Feed Association executive committee and board and as executive sponsor of Cargill's Global Women's Network. Additionally, she was an inaugural member of the Women in Agriculture's Advisory Board and served as a director of the National Futures Association (NFA). 

"I am honored to lead Ardent Mills into its next phase of growth, building on the strong foundation established by Dan, whom I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the course of my career," said Wallace. "From farm to fork, I have had the opportunity to work across the breadth of the food, agriculture, energy, and financial services industries and serve in many capacities. I am excited to both return to flour milling and drive the growth of our emerging nutrition business, partnering with our talented Ardent Mills team to serve customers, support our communities, and ultimately deliver on our purpose of transforming how the world is nourished."