Ingredient supplier Icon Foods has appointed Kash Rocheleau, former chief financial officer since 2022, as its new CEO. The promotion comes as the company’s longtime CEO and founder Thom King moves into a new role of chief innovations officer, where he will focus on driving change and growth while expanding the Icon Food Science division of the company.
 
Rocheleau, a summa cum laude graduate of Eastern Washington University with an MBA in accounting and finance, has worked at Icon Foods since 2019. She has a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the Council for Six Sigma Certification, which includes an exam based on business leadership, and financial/operational efficiency expertise.
 
As CEO, Rocheleau will lead all of the company’s key initiatives, directing all aspects of company operations and resources to continue to grow the organization.
 
“Kash’s promotion to CEO underscores her exceptional leadership qualities, strategic vision and deep understanding of our industry,” King said. “Her progressive approach, strong business acumen and keen decision-making have played a pivotal role in shaping Icon Foods over the past five years, and they will make her a dynamic leader for our company going forward. Under her guidance, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers.” 
 
“It’s a profound honor to assume the role of CEO and lead our team into the next chapter,” Rocheleau said. “With a focus on innovation and quality, Icon Foods will continue delivering ingredient solutions that exceed expectations. The expansion of Icon Food Science, under Thom’s direction, will further enhance our capabilities to address industry demands to make deep, clean cuts to added sugar.”
 
Icon Foods specializes in sweeteners, fibers, and sweetness modulators for clean label food and beverage production. In 2017, the company launched Icon Food Science, a division dedicated to food and beverage formulation and reformulation services for clean label sugar reduction. With the expansion of the division, the team of food scientists, nutritionists, and researchers will work with clients to develop custom formulations that align to specific needs and market trends using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Its services include formulation development, ingredient sourcing, particle reduction, nutritional analysis, co-manufacturing, and quality control.
 
As CIO, King will be responsible for supporting a culture of innovation to enhance value and cultivate lasting customer relationships, the company said. His expertise and focus on food science, product development, and research will be paramount to the role, which includes guiding all aspects of Icon Food Science and introducing new formulations to stay at the forefront of emerging trends.