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Florida Food Products Hires Neat as CFO

Florida Food Products, LLC, one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, has named Kevin Neat, former chief financial officer of Johnson & Johnson’s North American Consumer Health business (now publicly listed as Kenvue), as chief financial officer. Neat will be a part of FFP’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of FFP’s financial and IT functions.

Neat boasts more than two decades of international experience leading high performance finance teams at companies across the consumer packaged goods, healthcare, aerospace and chemical manufacturing industries. He has successfully managed large organizations, collaborated in the development and implementation of effective business growth strategies, and developed and delivered profitability improvement initiatives. Most recently, as Neat oversaw the business responsible for some of the world’s best-known brands, including Band-Aid, Tylenol and Neutrogena, among others.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin – well-recognized for his track record in developing and leading best-in-class finance organizations – to FFP as we continue to strengthen our leadership team,” said Jim Holdrieth, chief executive officer. “Over the past 18 months. we have successfully and strategically scaled our business, completing four strategic acquisitions, and are confident that Kevin’s decades of experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow FFP.”

Neat added, “I am pleased to join FFP as we scale, diversify, and accelerate our growth. I look forward to working with the talented FFP team to help the Company continue on its successful path by providing natural, healthy, high-quality ingredients to leading consumer brands, manufacturers, and foodservice distributors.”

Neat has spent most of his career in progressively senior global finance leadership positions at J&J, including the medical devices and supply chain divisions. He also served in senior financial leadership roles at McNeil Nutritionals, the producer of SPLENDA sweeteners, VIACTIV Dietary Supplements, and LACTAID branded products, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Cordis Corporation, B/E Aerospace and International Paper. Neat earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration finance and an M.B.A. from Stetson University.

Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture and color. The company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and foodservice providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website.

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