Erika was raised in Michigan and completed her studies at Purdue University in Indiana, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial management with a minor in Spanish. Her first job was outside the food industry. She joined Kraft Heinz, the former owner of the Planters® and Corn Nuts® brands, in 2017.
She and her husband, Owen, tied the knot several months later. Just as they were getting ready to welcome their first child into the world, Erika learned Hormel Foods would be acquiring the brands in the largest such deal in its history. In fact, when she returned from her maternity leave after giving birth to Sadie, she worked for Kraft Heinz for four days. The sale closed on her four-year anniversary.
“When it was first announced, the thought of change was really scary,” she says. “But it has really worked out for everyone. The team gets along really well.”
Not that there’s been a lot of free time these past few years, but when there is, Erika likes to walk and play tennis. She’s also fond of her new company and what’s on the horizon, even if they weren’t part of her original plan.
“It’s a great company to work for, and it’s an awesome team. We’re really excited about the direction we’re taking these brands in.”
