IRVINE, CALIF. – Golden State Foods (GSF) appointed Justin Vannoy as GSF corporate vice president and president, Liquid Products North America (LPNA).

Vannoy will lead planning and execution of strategic business plans that align with GSF's objectives for customer growth, product quality, food safety, associate safety and succession planning, the company said. He also will focus on broadening the capabilities, technologies and markets in which GSF supplies dressings, sauces, syrups, and toppings.

He brings more than 15 years of food manufacturing leadership experience to his new role at GSF. Prior to joining the company, he progressed through various senior operations roles with TreeHouse Foods and Conagra Brands.

Most recently, he led 21 manufacturing sites and 4,000 employees in manufacturing operations, planning and scheduling, and continuous improvement as vice president of operations with the North America Meal Preparations Division of TreeHouse Foods after the division’s organizational restructuring. Vannoy also served as TreeHouse Foods’ vice president of operations for the North America Baked Goods Division and director of operations for the North America Retail Bakery Category, in addition to prior plant operations management roles of increasing responsibility.

Earlier in his career, Vannoy held several management roles with Nestle HealthCare Nutrition in Saint Louis Park, Minn., and Quaker Oats (QTG) PepsiCo in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Justin’s background and his distinct style of servant leadership, coupled with his manufacturing, supply chain, and operations expertise, will uniquely position him to lead the LPNA team to support the growing success of our valued customers throughout their expanding markets in North America,” said Brian Dick, GSF corporate executive vice president and chief operating officer. “His values align well with those of our company, so we are confident that he will lead and drive towards our vision of excellence in accordance with our culture.”

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Vannoy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Winona State University in Winona, Minn.