Darling Ingredients has announced a series of leadership transitions following the upcoming retirement of Brad Phillips, executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), after 36 years with the company. Phillips will retire on June 15, 2025.
Robert Day, currently executive vice president and chief strategy officer, will take over as CFO after the company files its 2024 Form 10-K, expected on February 25, 2025. Phillips will remain with the company until his retirement to assist with the transition. Sandra Dudley, executive vice president, Renewables and U.S. Specialty Operations, will succeed Day as chief strategy officer under the expanded title of executive vice president, Renewables and Chief Strategy Officer. Carlos Paz will also join the company as executive vice president, Global Risk Management, Ingredients.
Chairman and CEO Randall C. Stuewe praised Phillips’ contributions to the company. "Brad's vision, leadership and financial expertise were instrumental in shaping our company into the pillar it is today. From spearheading transformative acquisitions to driving unprecedented growth, Brad's contributions are woven into every success we've achieved. We thank him for his unwavering dedication and wish him all the best in his retirement."
Leadership backgrounds
Robert Day joined Darling Ingredients in August 2023 as chief strategy officer. Before that, he held executive roles at Ascendant Partners, Ceres Global Ag. Corp., ED&F Man and Cargill, where he worked in Asia, Latin America and the U.S. Day has an MBA from St. Thomas University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota.
Sandra Dudley has been with Darling Ingredients since 2015, most recently overseeing the company’s renewable energy initiatives and specialty operations, including its Diamond Green Diesel joint venture. Before joining the company, Dudley held strategy and financial roles at ConAgra Foods and Tenaska Marketing Ventures.
Carlos Paz will step into the newly created role of executive vice president, Global Risk Management, Ingredients. He joins Darling Ingredients after leading Ceres Global Ag. Corp. as CEO and has over 20 years of leadership experience at Cargill, specializing in trading and risk management. Paz holds a degree in business management and agricultural economics from Kansas State University.
According to Petfood Industry's Company Database, Darling Ingredients is a leading ingredients supplier to the pet food industry, offering fresh and frozen ingredients including unique meats and vegetables; animal fats and proteins; minerals; gelatins and hydrolyzed collagens. Every production facility is third-party certified through HACCP-based safety programs.
Adapted from a press release.
