The basics:

• B&G Foods named Robert Mills as president and CEO.
• Mills succeeds Kenneth Keller, who retired Aug. 7.
• Mills has served on B&G’s board since 2018.
• B&G continues to reshape its portfolio and reduce debt.

Leadership changes are underway at B&G Foods Inc.

Just days after announcing the retirement of Kenneth Keller as president and CEO, the Parsippany-based consumer packaged goods giant named Robert Mills as the successor Aug. 10. He has served as a member of B&G’s board of directors since 2018.

Mills previously served as an executive vice president and chief technology, digital commerce and pet specialty officer at Tractor Supply Co. He spent 12 years with the Tennessee-headquartered rural lifestyle chain. During that time, Mills held several executive roles spanning strategy, business operations, artificial intelligence, M&A and more.

Prior to joining Tractor Supply, he held senior leadership positions at Ulta Beauty as well as Sears.

Keller officially stepped down Aug. 7 after overseeing the company for five years. According to B&G, he will remain available “on an ongoing basis” to assist with the leadership transition.

An ‘outstanding’ portfolio

Mills’ appointment comes as B&G continues to focus on reshaping its portfolio, improving cash flow, reducing debt and strengthening overall business performance.

B&G Foods Board of Directors Chair Stephen Sherrill said, “Rob is uniquely positioned to lead B&G Foods at this important point in B&G Foods’ evolution. Rob’s eight years as a member of our Board give him a deep understanding of our business, our brands, our people and challenges and opportunities ahead of us. Just as importantly, Rob brings a proven ability to lead transformation, operate at scale and translate strategy into execution, which will allow him to move quickly from day one.”

Rob is uniquely positioned to lead B&G Foods at this important point in B&G Foods’ evolution.
—Stephen Sherrill, chair, B&G Foods Board of Directors

He went on, “Rob is a decisive leader who brings a strong sense of urgency, accountability and a bias for action. The Board believes Rob has the right capabilities and leadership approach to accelerate B&G Foods’ strategic priorities, strengthen performance and create long-term value for our stockholders.”

Mills said he looks forward to partnering with the workforce and board “to build on B&G Foods’ strengths and accelerate our strategy.”

“I am particularly excited about the opportunity to bring additional capabilities to B&G Foods. Throughout my career, I have seen how digital, data, technology and increasingly artificial intelligence can be used to drive growth, improve productivity, make faster and better decisions and transform how companies operate,” he said.

“Combined with disciplined portfolio management, capital allocation and a relentless focus on execution, I believe these capabilities can help us to strengthen our core brands and our overall business performance and position B&G Foods to compete more effectively. I believe strongly in the potential of this business.

“B&G Foods has an outstanding portfolio of brands with meaningful consumer recognition and opportunities to strengthen performance. We have work to do and I am committed to working with the team at B&G Foods to accelerate growth and create sustainable long-term value for our stockholders,” Mills added.

As of 2025, B&G had net sales of $1.83 billion.

Since 2022, B&G has divested several non-core brands. Sales include Back to Nature plant-based snacks, Don Pepino pizza sauce and Green Giant shelf-stable and frozen vegetables.

Earlier this year, B&G picked up bankrupt canned food maker Del Monte Foods’ broth and stock business in a deal worth $110 million. The acquisition expanded the buyer’s shelf-stable food portfolio with iconic pantry names such as College Inn and Kitchen Basics.

B&G also recently relocated from its base in Parsippany. B&G Foods plans to use its new headquarters for research, new product development and quality control assurance.