Premier Protein owner BellRing Brands has appointed Michael Axelrod as its next president and chief executive officer, effective 29 July 2026.
Axelrod will also join the company’s board of directors. He succeeds Darcy Davenport, who announced her intention to retire earlier this year. Davenport will remain with the company in a senior advisory role to support the leadership transition and provide strategic support.
Axelrod joins BellRing from US snack manufacturer Snak King, where he served as CEO. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods sector, including leadership roles at several consumer businesses.
He previously served as CEO of Del Real Foods, where he oversaw revenue growth, national expansion and operational improvements. Earlier in his career, Axelrod held senior roles at Passport Food Group, TreeHouse Foods and Kraft Foods, and began his career at Boston Consulting Group, advising consumer and retail clients.
In addition to Premier Protein, BellRing owns the Dymatize brand, and has an active nutrition portfolio spanning ready-to-drink protein shakes, powders and other nutrition products.
Robert V Vitale, chairman of BellRing’s board of directors, said the company had conducted an extensive search before selecting Axelrod.
He commented: “His record of strategic insight, strong customer relationships and operational excellence will be invaluable as we embark on the next chapter of growth”.
Vitale also thanked Davenport for her contribution to BellRing, noting that she had led the company through “a significant period of growth” to more than $2.3 billion in sales.
Axelrod said consumer demand for protein remains “exceptionally strong,” adding that BellRing is well positioned for long-term growth through customer focus, innovation and operational discipline.
by Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
Kraft Heinz raised R&D spending 22%, focusing on functional nutrition innovation. PowerMac and Capri Sun Hydrate show early traction, while Philadelphia Lactose Free expands distribution. Emerging markets and foodservice offer growth opportunities for ingredient suppliers.
Consumers want non-alcoholic drinks that deliver functional and emotional benefits, not just refreshment. Sweetness remains important, but more complex flavors, such as spicy, bitter, botanical, and sour are gaining appeal. Brands should design different beverages for specific occasions, social settings, and consumer needs rather than relying on one product for every moment.
Industry experts see a shift from single-sweetener swaps to full sweetener systems to build texture, flavor, and functionality. Layn, HTBA, and Tate & Lyle spotlight their recent advancements in sweetener solutions and how they solve sugar reduction’s biggest challenges. The companies pinpoint GLP-1 users, clean label demands, and Asia-Pacific beverages as some of the biggest opportunities.
