LINCOLN, NEB. — Universal Pure, LLC, a leading independent provider of high-pressure processing (HPP) and related food safety and technical services for the human food and pet food cold chain, announced the appointment of Frank Jimenez to chief executive officer on July 29. Jimenez succeeds Jeff Williams, who will retire from the company. 

Jimenez is an experienced executive with more than 35 years of expertise in expanding global business in the food, beverage and nutrition sectors across North America, Europe and Asia. During his career, Jimenez spent more than 30 years at Nestlé, holding a variety of leadership roles including president of Nestlé USA’s Baking Division, president of Nestlé’s global Walmart business, and chief executive officer of Nestlé Health Science-Pamlab. Most recently, Jimenez served as chief executive officer and on the board of directors at Lemnature AquaFarms, a plant-based food technology company. 

Throughout his career, Jimenez has led several teams to help fuel profitable growth in new and existing markets, while also expanding service categories and channels. 

In addition to his new role as CEO, Jimenez will become a member of Universal Pure’s board of directors. 

“Universal Pure has a built a well-deserved reputation as the leader in HPP and related services, ensuring the safety and extending the shelf life of the food we all eat,” Jimenez said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing company as we continue to expand our services to new and existing customers across the country. Under Jeff’s leadership, the company has established a strong culture of exceptional customer service, setting a firm foundation to enhance growth across our business lines.  I look forward to partnering with our world-class team to lead the business into its next phase of growth and success.”

Williams has served as Universal Pure’s CEO since 2019. He will remain with the company as a senior advisor. 

“Jeff has overseen the most successful period of growth in Universal Pure’s history, and we thank him for his contributions to the business,” said Randy Moser, partner at Aurora Capital Partners, which acquired Universal Pure in 2022. “We look forward to continuing to benefit from Jeff’s insights and expertise as he transitions to his new role as senior advisor, and we are excited at the many organic and inorganic prospects for the business under Frank’s leadership.”

Williams added, “It has been an honor to lead this incredible business over the past five years, and I am pleased to leave it in such capable hands. I am confident that Frank, with our other team members and Aurora as their partner, will continue to grow Universal Pure to its greatest potential.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.