Meet Mark Jansen

Mark Jansen was selected by the Blue Diamond Growers Board of Directors to become President and Chief Executive Officer on September 1, 2010. With a unique understanding of the branded retail and food service business, Mark’s career achievements include leading the brand growth for Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Pillsbury, Red Baron, Freschetta, Wolfgang Puck, Tony’s and Minh.

Prior to joining Blue Diamond, Mark was president of Schwan’s Food Service in Marshall, Minnesota, where he led the profitable turnaround of the division. He also worked for the Pillsbury Company, Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. and General Mills, Inc.

Mark’s leadership has transformed Blue Diamond into a global branded food manufacturer with sales up +150 percent, and even greater growth in profitability.

Mark received his MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in 1994.

Mark is on the Executive Committee of California Chamber of Commerce where he serves as chair of the Audit Committee and chair of the International Forum, is on the Executive Council for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, is on the Board of Trustees for the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, is on the Board of Trustees for the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Learning, and is a board member of the Almond Board of California.