Ardent Mills appoints Tiago Darocha as Chief Operations Officer

USA —Ardent Mills, a prominent player in the milling industry, has appointed Tiago Darocha as its new Chief Operations Officer (COO).

Ardent Mills, the largest flour milling company in the United States, is a joint venture. Conagra Brands and Cargill hold a 44% stake each, and CHS owns the remaining 12%. 

Darocha brings over twenty years of extensive experience in operations, supply chain, and quality management within the food and beverage industry.

In his new role, he will oversee Ardent Mills’ operating functions, including health and safety, quality, food safety, regulatory, technical services, supply chain, continuous improvement, operations, and environmental management.

“As a people-first organization, we’re thrilled to welcome an experienced leader with a track record for serving customers and employees through operational excellence,” said Sheryl Wallace, Chief Executive Officer at Ardent Mills.

 “I am confident that Tiago’s profound knowledge will help us build on our business’s strong foundation and optimize our operating functions as we strive to nourish what’s next.”

Darocha joins Ardent Mills from United Malt, where he served as COO, focusing on enterprise operations and supporting long-term growth.

He oversaw the company’s commercial and production activities, including malt production and barley procurement.

Prior to his role at United Malt, Darocha spent 21 years at Anheuser-Busch InBev, holding various roles such as Global Vice President of Brewing & Quality, VP of Supply for the Middle Americas Zone, Director of Brewery Operations, and Senior General Manager of the Newark Brewery.

“I am honored to step into this next chapter as Ardent Mills’ Chief Operations Officer. The company’s dedication to its people, as well as safety, quality, innovation, and community, resonates deeply with me,” said Darocha.

 “I look forward to working with the talented team at Ardent Mills to drive operational excellence and support our vision of nurturing customers, consumers, and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions.”

Originally from Brazil, Darocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and a Master of Business Administration.

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