Chobani adds to its executive team

The company names Jody Macedonio chief financial officer and veteran CNN correspondent Cristina Alesci chief corporate affairs officer.

Chobani LLC, Norwich, N.Y., said it added two people to its executive team. Veteran finance executive Jody Macedonio will serve as chief financial officer, effective Dec. 28, 2020. Macedonio has more than 20 years of global experience as a finance executive in the consumer goods industry.

Most recently she served as the chief financial officer of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, a PE-backed consumer packaged goods company affiliated with Post Holdings; prior to that, she was chief financial officer of Dean Foods, Chobani said.

Macedonio, who will report to Peter McGuinness, Chobani’s president and chief operating officer, joins Chobani at an exciting time as it enters and grows in four categories: plant-based oat milks, dairy and plant-based oat creamers, functional wellness beverages and a new probiotic yogurt portfolio, the company said.

To help support this growth, Michelle Brooks, Chobani’s interim chief financial officer, will continue her role as treasurer and take on the newly created role of chief business development officer. Brooks remains on the executive leadership team, reporting to Macedonio, Chobani said.

"As we build the next-generation food company, we're building the leadership team who will help us make it happen. Jody brings deep operational finance leadership experience. She has a passion for food and beverage, she loves a challenge, she's super-collaborative and very growth-driven," said McGuinness. "Michelle's new leadership role is central to our growth strategy as a modern food company. Together, Jody and Michelle are a formidable combination."

Chobani also announced that veteran CNN and Bloomberg Television correspondent Cristina Alesci will serve as chief corporate affairs officer, starting Dec. 28, 2020.

Alesci will report to McGuinness in her new role, leading external and internal communications, government and community relations, social impact and philanthropy. Alesci will also join Chobani's executive leadership team.

"From our humble yogurt beginnings in upstate New York through our evolution and expansion into a modern food company, Chobani uses food as a force for good and helps drive positive change in communities across the country," said McGuinness. "It's important for our brand to authentically tell and share the stories that shape our values, beliefs and business. Cristina brings over a decade of storytelling for CNN and Bloomberg TV to Chobani, highlighting our continued growth and innovation while challenging businesses and society to think and act differently, always putting humanity first."