Vandemoortele enhances US and global leadership

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Vandemoortele enhances US and global leadership

12 Jun 2026

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

PAWTUCKET, RI — Vandemoortele USA announced the appointment of Curt Coolidge as GM. Coolidge succeeds Thierry Schmitz, who is transitioning to a new leadership position at Vandemoortele’s headquarters in Ghent, Belgium.

“Leading the US business has been an incredibly rewarding chapter,” Schmitz said. “I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved together. I know the division is in exceptional hands with Curt, and I look forward to supporting Vandemoortele’s global growth in my new role in Belgium.”

Coolidge has held similar roles in both private equity-owned and strategic bakery platforms, most recently at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery.

As GM, Coolidge will use his 20 years of in-store bakery industry experience to drive expansion as he oversees Vandemoortele’s North American commercial strategy, growth initiatives and operations. He will focus on accelerating expansion in this market through acquisition management, portfolio growth, and the scaling of core categories, including Lanterna and Patisserie Du Chef premium desserts.

“I am honored to step into the role of GM at such an exciting point for Vandemoortele USA,” Coolidge said. “The team has established Vandemoortele as a trusted partner for premium frozen bakery goods in North America. I look forward to working closely with our partners and manufacturing facilities to bring even more innovation and value to our customers.”