Ardent Mills names Ryan Kelley as Chief Information Officer

USA – Ardent Mills, North America’s leading flour-milling and Ingredient Company, has announced the appointment of Ryan Kelley as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).

In this pivotal role, Kelley will spearhead the company’s information technology strategy, focusing on fostering innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and bolstering security across all facets of the business.

Kelley brings over 20 years of technology leadership experience to Ardent Mills, most recently serving as CIO and Senior Vice President of Technology & Enterprise Services at Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., a Fortune 500 energy company specializing in refining, retail, and logistics operations in the Pacific region.

At Par Pacific, he oversaw the modernization and integration of enterprise systems, led cybersecurity initiatives, and drove digital transformation projects that supported scalable growth and improved customer experiences. His expertise in delivering technology solutions has been instrumental in enabling business expansion and operational efficiencies in dynamic industries.

He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

His appointment comes at a time when the food and agriculture sector is increasingly relying on advanced technologies, such as AI-driven analytics and blockchain for traceability, to enhance data-driven decision-making and resilience against disruptions.

“I’m thrilled to join Ardent Mills at such an exciting point in its growth journey. From my first conversations with the leadership team, it was clear that this is an organization with a strong purpose, a commitment to innovation, and a collaborative culture,” said Kelley.  

“I look forward to partnering with our teams to modernize systems, enhance data-driven decision making, and deliver technology solutions that create value for our people and our customers.”

Speaking on the appointment, Sheryl Wallace, CEO of Ardent Mills, noted that technology is central to Ardent Mills’s strategic direction and ability to serve customers, strengthen our end-to-end supply chain, and unlock value across the business.

“Ryan’s leadership, vision for how technology can drive growth, commitment to developing talent, and ownership mindset focused on results will be tremendous assets as we shape the future of Ardent Mills,” she said.

Wallace, who assumed the CEO role at Ardent Mills in July 2024 after a distinguished career at Cargill, including positions as corporate vice president and global leader of the Risk Management Group, emphasized the importance of technological advancement in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Under her leadership, Ardent Mills has continued to prioritize sustainable practices and innovation in plant-based solutions.

Ardent Mills, formed in 2014 as a joint venture between Conagra Brands, Cargill, and CHS Inc., operates more than 40 flour mills and bakery-mix facilities across North America.

The company produces a wide range of multi-use flours, whole grains, and specialty ingredients, serving customers in the baking, food manufacturing, and retail sectors.

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