Leadership changes at CJ Schwan’s and Schuman Cheese point to continued focus on product innovation, operational alignment and long-term growth.
CJ Schwan’s aligns leadership with global strategy
CJ Schwan’s appointed Dr. Gregory Yep as interim CEO, adding the role to his current positions as chairman of the CJ Schwan’s board and CEO of CJ Foods. The company said the move strengthens alignment with parent company CJ Foods and supports its long-term growth plans.
Yep joined CJ in 2023 as chief technology officer and later became CEO of CJ Foods in 2025. According to the company, he has helped shape global research and development strategy, expand product platforms and build strategic partnerships.
CJ Schwan’s, the company behind well-known brands like bibigo, Red Baron and Freschetta, operates 17 manufacturing facilities in the United States and is planning a new Asian-style foods production facility in Sioux Falls, S.D., expected to open in 2027.
For convenience services operators, the leadership move reinforces the company’s emphasis on globally inspired foods, particularly Asian-style offerings, along with continued investment in scalable production and innovation across frozen and prepared foods.
Schuman Cheese advances fourth-generation leadership
Schuman Cheese announced a leadership transition to its fourth generation, naming Allison Schuman as CEO and Neal Schuman as chairman.
The company also appointed Ian Schuman as president of global operations, overseeing import and export operations, while Keith Schuman will continue leading domestic production, plant-based initiatives and Lake Country Dairy operations.
Founded in 1945, Schuman Cheese said the leadership structure is designed to support continued growth while maintaining its family-led approach to product development and operations.
For operators, the transition signals stability from a specialty cheese supplier that continues to invest in domestic production, global sourcing and plant-based innovation —areas that support growth in snack packs, premium grab-and-go and prepared food programs.
