BURLINGTON, VT — The Farmer Companies, the private equity (PE) firm that owns baking companies including Whisps and Guinness Pretzels, has named a new CEO, calling upon Randy Johnson to lead the company through its next growth phase. He succeeds founder Adam Farmer, who will remain active as chair.
Johnson previously led Dot’s Pretzels, helping to grow the company from $19 million to $250 million in annual sales in just three years prior to its 2021 acquisition by Hershey.
“Under Randy’s leadership, Dot’s Pretzels became one of the greatest success stories in snacking history,” Farmer said. “Randy set Dot’s up for a strategic next step and led the company through its transformational growth phase.”
Johnson joins the company following this month’s closing of a $17 million Series A financing — led by Raff Ventures and AJAX Capital Partners — as the PE firm accelerates its strategy to build North America’s leading cheese snacking business through its ownership of Whisps.
“Bringing him on means The Farmer Companies can build toward our goal of redefining cheese snacking for the next generation,” Farmer continued. “Randy is leading our business to new heights.”
The proceeds from the company’s Series A financing will support continued investment in Whisp’s manufacturing partnerships, national distribution and strategic acquisitions.
“I’m excited to help build one of North America’s great consumer products companies,” Johnson said. “Adam has already proven this category has room to grow. My job is to help it scale.”
