Ardent Mills CEO Dan Dye announces retirement

The founding executive plans to stay on to help his replacement settle in.

Dan Dye, Ardent Mills

Ardent Mills, a flour-milling and ingredient provider, has announced Dan Dye will retire from his role as the company's first CEO, effective later this summer. Dye will remain in his role until a new CEO is named and is committed to overseeing a smooth transition.

Ardent Mills is conducting both an internal and external search and the board seeks to announce a new CEO in the near future. Gonzalo Petschen, Ardent Mills Board chairman, states that Ardent Mills' next CEO will need to embody the company's values and carry forward Dan's legacy of the people-first culture he helped build.

"Ten years ago, we set out to build a people-first, values-based business and created Ardent Mills. It's been a privilege to work with a great team to establish our mission, shape our vision, and see the impact we've made in nourishing communities across North America," says Dye. "I am a firm believer that Ardent Mills' continued, shared success is the result of our team members who live by our values of Trust, Serving, Simplicity, and Safety, and who have a deep commitment to serving our customers with excellence. These pillars of Ardent Mills' culture will continue to drive the business forward and fulfill the company's commitment to nourish what's next."

In addition to establishing a values-driven culture, Dye spearheaded strategic initiatives that positioned Ardent Mills for record growth and resiliency, such as launching an innovative Emerging Nutrition alternative grains center of expertise and building a state-of-the-art mill in Tampa, Florida. Dye and the leadership team also adapted how the company operated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring team members had the support they needed to safely deliver on the company's mission: enhancing the quality of life and standard of health. 

Prior to leading Ardent Mills, Dye spent three decades at Cargill, serving as president of Horizon Milling and Cargill AgHorizons, U.S. An active member of the community and larger industry, Dan lends his experience and expertise to various executive and Board positions, including the North American Millers' Association, American Bakers Association, and Partners in Food Solutions. 

"To our team members, customers, suppliers, and industry partners, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication—you have each played an integral role in making Ardent Mills what it is today," says Dye. “I feel incredibly blessed, and my heart is filled with gratitude for the journey we've had together, and I am eager to see the company's continued success in this next chapter."

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Jenni Spinner is the chief editor of Snack Food and Wholesale with more than 25 years of experience in business-to-business communications. She has written extensively about food production, safety and packaging; pharmaceutical drug development; concrete and masonry construction; and more. She holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Illinois. Jenni can be reached at spinnerj@bnpmedia.com.