REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN — Avena Foods, a specialty miller serving the pet food and food and beverage sectors, announced Jan. 16 the appointment of Wayne Arsenault as chief executive officer. Arsenault succeeds former CEO Gord Flaten following his retirement.

“We welcome Wayne’s customer-first approach, which was developed over years in strategic management, manufacturing and brand development,” said Pete Samson, board chair at Avena. “His passion for building partnerships and empowering teams strongly aligns with Avena’s vision of partnering for safe, healthy diets and a sustainable world.”

Throughout his career, Arsenault has held several leadership roles, including general manager at Molson Canadian, president and CEO of Big Rock Brewery in Calgary, and two vice presidential roles with Moosehead Breweries.

According to Avena, he started his first company when he was just 16 years old, and became the youngest plant manager at Coca-Cola Enterprises by the time he turned 29.

Arsenault’s vast leadership experience and collaborative approach is expected to benefit Avena’s growth as it seeks to provide sustainable and functional milled ingredients to the pet food and food and beverage industries.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.