David J. Colo

Biography

David J. Colo serves as SunOpta’s President and Chief Executive Officer, a role he was appointed to in February 2017. Mr. Colo joined SunOpta from Diamond Foods, Inc. where he served as Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Colo has 30 years of leadership experience in general management, operations and supply chain management. As Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for Diamond Foods, Mr. Colo had direct responsibility for marketing, innovation, R&D, operations, supply chain, procurement, quality, food safety, grower services and contract manufacturing. Together with the Diamond Foods executive team, he was responsible for leading the turnaround of the highly distressed company and its successful sale for approximately $1.9 billion to Snyder's-Lance in March 2016. Before joining Diamond Foods, Mr. Colo spent approximately three years as an independent industry consultant, focusing on organizational optimization and planning. From 2005 to 2009, he held leadership positions in the consumer products division of ConAgra Foods, including roles as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations Planning, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Manufacturing and Senior Vice President of Operations. From 2003 to 2005, he served as President of ConAgra Food Ingredients. Mr. Colo previously served with Nestle-Purina Pet Care Company in roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Supply for the company's Golden Products Division, and Vice President of Store Brands and Venture Development. He also served for two years as President of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Association. Mr. Colo is a member of the Board of Directors of MGP Ingredients, Inc. Mr. Colo holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Economics from Southern Illinois University.  

Research Interest

SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic, non-genetically modified ("non-GMO") and specialty foods. SunOpta specializes in the sourcing, processing and packaging of organic and non-GMO food products, integrated from seed through packaged products; with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business models.