WESTMINSTER, COLO. – Niman Ranch, a community of more than 720 independent farmers and ranchers who raise Certified Humane livestock, announced John Flynn has joined the company as vice president of sales. Flynn will lead the Niman Ranch sales team as the company strives to expand in the retail, e-commerce and foodservice markets.

“I am proud to join the Niman Ranch team and help the mission-driven brand continue to grow and innovate,” Flynn said. “Joining the Niman Ranch family and leading the brand goes well beyond sales. I am thrilled to help Niman Ranch continue to be the gold standard in the natural meat world and support independent family farmers and sustainable agriculture.”

Flynn brings more than 30 years of sales experience to his new role at Niman Ranch. He most recently worked with Woodland, Calif.-based SunFed Ranch, a grass-fed beef business, where he is credited for significantly expanding their distribution nationwide. Prior to SunFed, Flynn was a leader in sales at several leading meat businesses including JBS USA, Cargill, Johnsonville Sausage and Kraft Foods.

“John brings rich experience and a leadership mindset that will be essential assets as Niman Ranch continues to grow,” said Chris Oliviero, general manager of Niman Ranch. “Our sales team plays an essential role as ambassadors to our farmer and rancher community and they have the tremendous responsibility of finding customers to help small- and mid-size independent family farmers and ranchers stay on the land and continue their sustainable farming traditions.”

Oliviero added that Flynn's experience working with national grocery chains, neighborhood specialty markets and regional foodservice distributors makes him well-suited for his role at Niman with coronavirus (COVID-19) driving dramatic shifts in consumer behavior and food shopping habits.

“This will serve Niman Ranch well as consumers continue to embrace cooking at home and aspire for both restaurant-quality family meals and also simple, wholesome dinner solutions,” Oliviero said.

Flynn succeeds Kay Cornelius who recently transitioned to general manager of Panorama Organic Grass-fed Meats.

“Moving on from Niman Ranch after 12 years with the company is certainly bittersweet, but I know our sales team and farmer community are in good hands with John at the helm,” Cornelius said. “John brings a unique set of skills from his experience working with both small, natural meat brands and larger national meat businesses. He will be able to take Niman Ranch to the next level, while remaining true to our foundational pillars of sustainability, humane animal care, independent family farmers and, of course, exceptional quality and taste.”

Flynn received his Bachelor of Science in political science and economics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and his MBA/MEP from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business Management.