Welch’s, Concord, Mass., has appointed Trevor Bynum as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Bynum succeeds Brad Irwin, who retired after 10 years leading the organization.

Bynum brings to Welch’s close to 20 years of consumer packaged goods (CPG) experience with many notable brands, as well as eight years of service in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Captain.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree, Bynum earned an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Bynum has served several marketing, general management and leadership roles within the CPG industry, including General Mills and White Wave Foods. Bynum has a highly successful track record driving top line and profit growth in the face of commodity and category headwinds and most recently served as president of the foodservice division at Schwan’s Food Co., it says.

“We are thrilled to welcome Trevor Bynum to Welch’s on the eve of our 150th anniversary. His wealth of experience in the CPG industry will help our teams achieve our growth objectives while we tackle the industry-wide concerns with transportation and commodity costs” said Tom Wilkinson, chairman of the Board for Welch’s, in a statement.

Bynum said: “I am very excited to join Welch’s during such an exciting time for the brand. On top of the great-tasting and wholesome grapes grown by more than 800 farm owners, Welch’s is truly an American staple with a very impressive history within the CPG industry. I see so much growth potential and opportunity to foster the advancement of the business and expand Welch’s reach across the country.”

Welch’s was assisted in the search by Jennifer Christensen of JWC Partners, Chicago. BI