Schwan’s Company Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Jeff Erickson as chairman of the board.

Erickson, a Sioux Falls business executive who has worked in the financial-services industry for more than 30 years, was first appointed to Schwan’s board of directors in 2016 and has served in multiple roles for the Schwan’s family trust since 2012. In addition to his duties at Schwan’s, he is an investor and serves as vice chairman of South Dakota-based American Bank and Trust and manages multiple limited liability companies. Erickson also currently serves as chairman of both the South Dakota Board of Economic Development and South Dakota Banking Commission. Previously, he served as president and chief executive officer of Great Western Bank.

“Schwan’s has benefited greatly from Jeff’s extensive finance background and business acumen since he joined our board of directors. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as chairman to meet the needs of our customers, consumers and employees and strengthen our company for the benefit of everyone who has a stake in our success,” said Schwan’s CEO Dimitrios Smyrnios, who also serves as a director on the company’s board.

Erickson will be replacing Allan Schuman, who is completing his term as chairman and will continue to serve as a member of Schwan’s board of directors. Schuman was the third chairman in Schwan’s 65-year history and the first who was not a member of the Schwan family. He has served on the company’s board of directors since 2001.

“On behalf of our board of directors and leadership team, I want to thank Al for being such an asset to Schwan’s all of these years. We all appreciate the dedication and leadership he has shown as chairman of the company’s board,” Erickson said.