Sara Lee Frozen Bakery appoints Peter Laport as Chief Executive Officer
The appointment positions Laport to lead the Oakbrook Terrace based frozen bakery maker into its next growth phase with a focus on operational discipline, customer trust, and responsible expansion.
USA – Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, a leading manufacturer of premium frozen baked goods, has named food industry veteran Peter Laport as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, to steer the company into its next growth phase.
The Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois-based firm, owned by private equity group Kohlberg & Company, announced the leadership transition on February 23, 2026, with Laport succeeding Craig Bahner, who departs after eight years of service that solidified operational foundations.
Laport brings over 30 years of leadership across consumer-packaged goods and food sectors, renowned for forging resilient organizations, aligning strategies with execution, and nurturing customer loyalty amid growth and transformation.
His most recent role as CEO of Arctic Glacier Premium Ice saw him orchestrate a turnaround that enhanced performance and primed the business for sustained value.
Previously, he held pivotal positions at Bakkavor USA, Ready Pac Foods/Bonduelle Fresh Americas, Dunkin’ Brands, Revlon, and Nestlé, mastering supply chain optimization, innovation, and enterprise-scale operations.
In his new capacity, Laport will prioritize boosting leadership and corporate culture, forging deeper ties with foodservice and retail partners, and elevating operational excellence and product quality in tandem with Kohlberg.
“Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is a trusted brand with talented people and products that matter in everyday moments,” said Laport.
“I’m honored to work alongside this talented team to build on the Company’s solid foundation, strengthen our culture and customer relationships, and drive preference among consumers and foodservice customers by delivering consistent quality and trusted performance.”
Kohlberg Partner Gus Harwood praised Laport’s blend of strategic acumen, operational discipline, and people-focused approach as ideal for this juncture.
Bahner reflected positively on his tenure, expressing confidence in the company’s trajectory under new stewardship.
This appointment aligns with broader industry shifts toward efficiency and innovation in frozen bakery, where demand for consistent, high-quality goods persists amid supply chain pressures and evolving consumer tastes.
Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s portfolio, spanning croissants, cakes, and muffins, serves major retailers and foodservice operators, and has benefited from Kohlberg’s investment since 2019.
Laport’s track record positions the firm to expand market share, potentially eyeing acquisitions or export growth as US baked goods sales hover near US$50 billion annually.
Stakeholders anticipate his influence in navigating labor shortages and sustainability mandates, ensuring Sara Lee’s legacy endures in a competitive landscape.
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