Kalamazoo, MI — The Kalamazoo Holdings Board of Directors has appointed Robert Wheeler CEO of Kalsec Inc. Wheeler succeeds Dr. Scott Nykaza, who retires December 31, after 23 years with the company. As CEO, Wheeler is responsible for all aspects of Kalsec, including leading the company in the development and execution of business strategy.
Wheeler joined Kalsec in 2015 and has 28 years of experience in the food ingredients and flavor industry. Previously, he led the global A.M. Todd mint flavoring business and the North American Food business unit for ADM. He has also held executive roles in supply chain and finance at A.M. Todd and has extensive experience in international business.
The board also appointed Julie Heine president and chief commercial officer. She will help guide Kalsec’s strategic direction and customer experience and oversee commercial and R&D objectives.
Since joining the company in 1995, Heine has held numerous roles. Starting as a lab tech, she applied her experiences to a sales role that grew from account management to leading global commercial teams. Heine holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Michigan University and an executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
The company says the appointments of Wheeler and Heine are part of a long-term succession plan, and they position the company to accelerate innovation, strengthen customer experience, and fulfill the Purpose of Kalsec: unlocking the potential of people, nature, and science to nourish the world.
