Sheryl Wallace appointed CEO of Ardent Mills
USA – Ardent Mills, a prominent player in the milling industry, has announced that Sheryl Wallace will be its new chief executive officer, effective July 8.
Wallace, who has been a member of Ardent Mills’ board of directors since 2020, brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career at Cargill, where she held several leadership roles in the grain and flour milling industries.
Most recently, Wallace served as president of US origination and grain at Cargill, where she built a reputation for her expertise in business growth, strategy, commercial trading, and risk management in the food and agricultural industry.
Her new role at Ardent Mills will see her succeeding Daniel P. Dye, the company’s first CEO, who has announced his retirement. Dye will remain in an advisory role throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
David S. Marberger, a board member of Ardent Mills and executive vice president and chief financial officer at Conagra Brands, Inc., commended Wallace’s unwavering commitment to the company’s core values of trust, service, simplicity, and safety during her tenure on the board.
“Her exceptional ability to foster a culture of empowerment and drive innovative growth uniquely positions her to lead Ardent Mills into its next chapter,” Marberger said. “Sheryl’s proven track record in the agribusiness sector, coupled with her knack for building strong relationships, will inspire teams and strengthen partnerships with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.”
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%.
Wallace’s extensive experience includes her role as corporate vice president and global leader of Cargill’s Risk Management Group, where she managed fiduciary oversight across commodity markets, credit risks, and balance sheet exposures. She began her career at Cargill in 1996 as a commodity merchandiser for grain and oilseeds.
Wallace holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from the University of Minnesota and her involvement in industry activities is notable.
She has served on the National Grain and Feed Association executive committee and board and as an executive sponsor of Cargill’s Global Women’s Network.
She was an inaugural member of the Women in Agriculture’s Advisory Board and served as a director of the National Futures Association (NFA). Additionally, she has presented at the Sosland Publishing Co. Purchasing Seminar.
“I am thrilled to lead Ardent Mills into its next phase of growth, leveraging the strong foundation established by Dan, whom I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the course of my career… I’m eager to return to flour milling and drive the growth of our emerging nutrition business, collaborating with our talented Ardent Mills team to deliver on our purpose of transforming how the world is nourished,” Wallace remarked, expressing her excitement for the new role.
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