Bedminster-based Freshpet, Inc. on Wednesday announced leadership changes in its finance department, naming Ivan Garcia, vice president of Finance, as the company’s new interim chief financial officer (CFO), effective Oct. 17.
Garcia succeeds Todd Cunfer, who made the decision to accept a role at Campbell’s. Cunfer will remain with the company until Oct. 17, to facilitate a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Freshpet has engaged a leading executive search firm to assist in finding a permanent successor for the CFO role.
Garcia’s history with Freshpet
Garcia brings over a decade of financial experience within Freshpet to the interim role. He has served as vice president of Finance since July 2023. Prior to that, he was the vice president corporate controller from October 2020 to June 2023.
Garcia first joined the company in February 2014, prior to its initial public offering (IPO), as manager of financial reporting, and has held positions of increasing responsibility ever since. Before joining Freshpet, he served as an audit manager at KPMG US. He holds a B.S. in Accounting and Business/Management from Montclair State University.
“Ivan is well regarded by the Board and leadership team for his depth of understanding of the Freshpet business model, and we are confident his leadership will ensure a smooth transition as we conduct a search for our next CFO,” Billy Cyr, Freshpet’s chief executive officer said.
Cyr highlighted Garcia’s long tenure, noting, “Having joined Freshpet 11 years ago, Ivan has been responsible for a wide range of critical projects. His sharp financial acumen has served the Company well over the years as he continues to provide the fiscal discipline required for our high growth company.”
Acknowledging Cunfer’s contributions
Cyr also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing CFO. “On behalf of Freshpet and the Board of Directors, I would like to sincerely thank Todd for his contributions as CFO over the past three years,” Cyr said. “He has been an integral part of Freshpet’s success and profitability improvement, and with a strong foundation and Ivan’s leadership as Interim CFO, we remain well positioned to execute on our near and long-term growth strategy.”
Meanwhile, Cunfer expressed his pride in his time with the company. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with the entire Freshpet team and I am very proud of our accomplishments as an organization to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and improve our financial position,” Cunfer said.
