Herr Foods transitions leadership as third generation takes charge

Herr Foods has announced a leadership transition, with longtime president Troy Gunden stepping in as CEO and president while Ed Herr becomes executive chairman. The 80-year-old Pennsylvania snack maker, a staple for vending, micro markets and office coffee service, said the move positions the family business for continued growth and innovation.

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Herr Foods Inc.

Sept. 16, 2025

2 min read

herr_foods_inc_leadership_transition — Effective September 1, Ed Herr (left), a second-generation family member of family-owned Herr Foods, a snack maker serving vending and micro markets, has transitioned to a new role. Herr, who has served as CEO and chairman of the board, will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board. Stepping into the role of CEO and president is Troy Gunden (right), a third-generation family member.

Ed Herr, who has served as CEO and chairman of Herr Foods, a long-time regional supplier to the vending and micro market channel, has stepped into the role of executive chairman of the board. Succeeding him as CEO and president is Troy Gunden, a third-generation family member.

Gunden has been with Herr’s for more than two decades, most recently serving six years as president. He will now oversee all company operations, bringing, as the company described, a blend of deep organizational knowledge and renewed energy to its leadership team.

“Leading Herr’s has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Ed Herr said in a statement. “With Troy’s leadership, I am confident Herr’s will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

As executive chairman, Herr will remain engaged in long-term strategy and mentoring. During his tenure, the company expanded its reach in the competitive snack market while emphasizing customer satisfaction, innovation and employee culture.

Gunden said he is committed to building on that foundation. “Herr’s is more than a company — it’s a family, a legacy and a commitment to our employees, customers and community,” he said in a release.

Celebrating its 80th year, Herr Foods products include a line of salty snacks, including chips, pretzels, curls, popcorn and tortilla chips. Herr’s products are distributed across the U.S. through regional distributors, vending suppliers and convenience wholesalers, making them available to vending, micro markets and OCS operators.