Sargento Announces New Chief Operating Officer

WI-based cheese leader Sargento has named Michael Pellegrino its new chief operating officer.

This comes due to Mike McEvoy retiring from his position as executive vice president of Operations at Sargento, and Kristi Jankowski retiring from her long-held position as executive vice president of Innovation.

McEvoy and Jankowski bring more than 50 years of service to Sargento. Both will continue to provide strategic counsel by staying on as advisors to the senior leadership team through the end of the year. 

Pellegrino joined Sargento in 2009. He has held various executive positions including his most recent role as president and chief growth officer. In his newly appointed role as COO, Pellegrino's expanded responsibilities will include leadership for the Business Units (Consumer Products and Food Service & Ingredients), Operations, Innovation, Sales, Supply Chain, and Strategic Planning.

During his tenure, Michael and his team have accelerated the growth of the Sargento brand to become a national market-share leader in the retail cheese category. He has also led best-in-class integrated marketing campaigns that have made Sargento one of the most recognized brands in the dairy case.

"The Sargento Family and I have been blessed to have the leadership and companionship of Mike and Kristi. We're grateful for their years of service and for the continued advisory roles they will hold through 2024," said Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento. "We also look forward to a successful road ahead with Michael Pellegrino as our chief operating officer. Based on his proven track record, we know he will deliver against our ambitious growth plan while realizing our vision to the most innovative, best-loved real food company."