HANOVER, PA — Utz Brands announced that William “B.J.” Werzyn Jr. will succeed Michael W. Rice as a member of the board of directors following Rice’s retirement, effective Aug. 20.
“The board is thrilled to have identified B.J. Werzyn, a Pennsylvania native and business leader, as the replacement for Mike’s board seat,” said Dylan Lissette, chairperson of the Utz board of directors. “B.J.’s entrepreneurial background and technology experience, combined with his business acumen, will be an invaluable addition to our board.”
Werzyn serves as executive chair, founder and CEO of West Shore Home LLC, one of the largest direct-to-consumer home remodelers in the US.
Michael W. Rice, who has served as director and chairperson emeritus since 2020, will retire but continue to participate as an observer. In addition to his role on the board, Rice has been with Utz since 1968 holding several leadership roles including EVP in 1970, president and CEO in 1978, and chair and CEO in 1992. He is credited for diversifying the company’s product portfolio to include an assortment of salty snacks as well as leading its geographic expansion.
“Mike is a true Utz icon whose contributions to the company are too numerous to count,” said Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz. “What was always clear was Mike’s treatment of the associates of this company as family. His legacy as one of the true architects of Utz’s amazing success will forever live on. We are thrilled that Mike will continue to participate with guidance and insight to the Utz board in an observer capacity.”
