Avena Foods welcomes Wayne Arsenault as CEO

Avena Foods appoints Wayne Arsenault as its new CEO, following the retirement of Gord Flaten.

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

Arsenault set up his first company at age 16. By age 29, he was the youngest plant manager in the Coca-Cola Enterprises system, responsible for the Toronto plant. Arsenault then went on to become general manager at Molson Canadian, Vancouver, where he was awarded ‘best performing brewery’ for two consecutive years.

Over the years he has held a number of leadership roles, including president and CEO of Calgary’s Big Rock Brewery, and vice-president, operations & human resources and vice-president alignment champion at Moosehead Breweries.