Stonewall Kitchen Welcomes Rick Lees as New Chief Financial Officer

YORK, Maine, March 16, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​Leading producer of specialty foods and home goods Stonewall Kitchen announced today that Rick Lees has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. Expanding the executive leadership team, Stonewall Kitchen also announced the promotion of Natalie King to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Dean Frost to Chief Operating Officer. 

“With four acquisitions in the last two years, Stonewall Kitchen has seen tremendous growth,” said John Stiker, Chief Executive Officer of Stonewall Kitchen. “It is important to us that as our business grows, our organization scales alongside it to ensure we have the infrastructure, resources and leadership in place for continued growth and future success. Bringing Rick on to head up our Finance Department will strengthen us as a company, as will the promotions of Natalie and Dean.”

Rick Lees joins Stonewall Kitchen with broad experience in the Consumer Products sector in corporate and operational finance. Most recently, Lees was Ocean Spray’s Chief Financial Officer for 8 years, growing the now $2+ billion company. Prior to Ocean Spray, Lees held other key executive positions for well-known companies such as Pillsbury, Dannon and Gillette. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

“This is an exciting new chapter for me,” said Lees. “What first attracted me to Stonewall Kitchen was the brand - for me signifying quality, authenticity and heritage in a way that few brands today can. I was also drawn to the people and culture of Stonewall Kitchen which operates in a hands-on, highly capable environment. I am thrilled to be joining the company during these exciting times and look forward to being a part of its future successes.”

Continued Stiker, “I am also pleased to announce the promotion of both Natalie King and Dean Frost. Natalie King, sister of Stonewall Kitchen’s founder, Jonathan King, has been with the company for 24 years. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of all sales and marketing functions. Formerly our Executive Vice President, Natalie has been promoted to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, where she will be responsible for continuing to drive profitable revenue growth and unforgettable brand experiences through our various channels. Additionally, Dean Frost, a 9-year veteran of Stonewall Kitchen, has been promoted from Director of Logistics to Chief Operating Officer. From ingredient and packaging sourcing, to manufacturing across multiple facilities, to delivery to the customer or guest, Dean will ensure all aspects of our operations are executed as effectively and efficiently as possible, all while maintaining the quality standards on which Stonewall Kitchen has built its reputation.” 

Concluded Stiker, “I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside this team of leaders here, as we continue to look for new ways to grow and new specialty brands to add to our family.”

About Stonewall Kitchen

Stonewall Kitchen is a leading producer of specialty foods and home goods headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service. Today, Stonewall Kitchen is a family of specialty food and lifestyle products, with premium quality brands including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand; the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries; the Vermont Village brand of organic apple sauce and apple cider vinegars; the Village Candle brand of fragranced candles, gifts and accessories; the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars; the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta imported from Italy; and the Legal Sea Foods brand of restaurant-quality seafood sauces and condiments. The company boasts more than 8,500 wholesale accounts nationwide and internationally; a thriving catalog and online division; a cooking school and café in both York, Maine and Costa Mesa, California; and nine retail Company Stores throughout New England. As winners of 30 prestigious awards from the Specialty Food Association and the recipient of the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times, Stonewall Kitchen is proud to be one of the most awarded specialty food companies in the country. 

For more information about Stonewall Kitchen, please visit: www.stonewallkitchen.com

Press Contact: Margaux Maertens, Communications Specialist, [email protected]

Source: Stonewall Kitchen, LLC