LorAnn Oils promotes Paul Bajorek to president
Paul Bajorek appointment elevates a long‑time sales and product development leader to steer growth, innovation and retailer partnerships for the family‑owned flavor and baking ingredient supplier.
USA – LorAnn Oils, the family-owned manufacturer of premium flavorings, essential oils, and baking ingredients based in Lansing, Michigan, has promoted Paul Bajorek to President, effective January 1, 2026.
This leadership transition underscores the company’s commitment to sustained growth, innovation, and expansion in the competitive consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector after over 64 years in business.
Bajorek, who joined LorAnn in spring 2022 as Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development, brings more than three decades of expertise in driving sales, fostering retailer partnerships, and spearheading product launches across automotive, retail, and consumer goods industries.
Under his prior leadership, LorAnn achieved consistent market share gains and dual top- and bottom-line growth.
CEO John Grettenberger praised the appointment: “Paul’s strategic vision and collaborative style position him ideally to empower our teams and pursue domestic and international opportunities.”
To ensure continuity, former President John Henighan, who served for over six years, will collaborate with Bajorek through mid-2026 before departing.
Henighan’s tenure strengthened LorAnn’s culture and operations, setting a solid foundation.
Complementing the promotion, LorAnn boosted its executive team: Ron Wood, COO, now oversees private label expansion.
Dave Pryzbylski joins as Controller for financial strategy, and Conner Byers leads grocery channel growth, aligning with rising demand for professional-grade flavors in home baking. Founded in 1962 by O.K.
Grettenberger as a small essential oils distributor named after his wife Laura and daughter Ann, LorAnn has evolved into a global supplier of Super Strength Flavors, Bakery Emulsions, Premium Vanillas, and Flavor Fountains for ice cream makers.
Products are kosher, gluten-free, and sugar-free, appealing to candymakers, bakers, and manufacturers.
The company’s retail and bulk offerings thrive amid a resurgence in home crafting and a shift toward premium ingredients.
This reshuffle arrives as the US flavorings market, valued at US$2 billion, grows 5% annually, fueled by clean-label trends and DIY baking post-pandemic.
LorAnn’s focus on quality supports agribusiness through consistent demand for natural extracts from fruits, vanilla beans, and herbs, benefiting US farmers.
For industry observers, Bajorek’s promotion signals aggressive channel diversification into groceries and exports, building on LorAnn’s heritage while adapting to e-commerce and influencer-driven sales.
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