Amy’s Kitchen names new CEO

PETALUMA, CALIF. — Prepared foods company Amy’s Kitchen has promoted Paul Schiefer to the role of chief executive officer. Schiefer had been the company’s president since 2023. Co-founder Andy Berliner will transition from his current role as chief executive officer to executive chairman of the board for Amy’s Kitchen.

Schiefer brings more than two decades of experience across nearly every area of Amy’s business, starting as a manufacturing intern while in high school, eventually leading international expansion, sustainability initiatives, and enterprise-wide transformation. He was the company’s chief of staff to the senior leadership team before being named president in 2023.

Under his leadership as president, Amy’s delivered its strongest gross margin performance in a decade and improved profitability by 60%, according to the company.

“Paul has been instrumental in navigating some of our most important chapters,” Berliner said. “He understands what makes this company special and how to carry that forward. His leadership, insight, and connection to our values made him the clear choice to lead Amy’s into the future.”

As CEO, the company said Schiefer will focus on three core priorities: advancing innovation to keep Amy’s at the forefront of food culture, reinforcing the company’s leadership in sustainability and responsible business practices, and driving operational excellence to fuel long-term growth. These build on recent efforts to engage more directly in conversations shaping the future of food, including transparency around how food is made and the role of responsible business in rebuilding consumer trust.

“This transition reflects the strength of our team and the foundation we’ve built together,” Schiefer said. “Amy’s has always been about doing the right thing — for our food, our people, and our planet. As CEO, I’m committed to protecting that legacy while ensuring our values continue to resonate with the next generation of consumers who care just as much as we do about what’s in their food and how it’s made.”

The company said Berliner will focus on long-term vision, governance, and stewardship of the company’s purpose and values, while Schiefer leads the company forward day to day. Co-founder Rachel Berliner will remain a contributor to innovation, marketing and the board of directors.