Denali Ingredients, New Berlin, Wis., said that the role of company President Neal Glaeser will expand to include the role and responsibilities of CEO of Denali Companies. Glaeser will continue to oversee both Denali Ingredients and Denali Flavors operations while directing a successful growth strategy into new categories and expanded food ingredient capabilities.

Glaeser, 59, joined Denali Flavors, sister company to Denali Ingredients, in 2001. The company said he has been instrumental in its efforts to expand its offerings from a flavor concept and licensing business to an innovative ingredients solution provider for ice cream, frozen desserts, dairy and other food applications.

“Neal is a visionary, and he has a unique ability to take big strategic ideas and turn them into actionable momentum in a condensed period of time,” said Jon Vander Woude, vice president, marketing, Denali Ingredients. “His leadership skills are exemplary, and as a result, he’s attracted talent and built a team of some of the best in the business”.

In 2006, Glaeser spearheaded Denali Flavors’ purchase of the Cool Brands/Eskimo Pie ingredients company — renaming it Denali Ingredients. During the past 13-years, he led growth initiatives that included several plant improvements and expansions, including the opening of Denali Ingredient’s R&D Innovation Center. Under his leadership, the company said it also expanded into several new product offerings, including stabilizers and texture systems, extruded doughs, flakes and, most recently, baked inclusions. 

Denali Ingredients said Glaeser pioneered the company’s efforts in staying relevant with today’s dynamic consumers. He has been a champion for the expansion of company’s offerings into new relevant products and product attributes to serve the fast-paced food industry. The company today is well-positioned for the future in food ingredients.