OMAHA, Neb., September 16, 2025 — J. Skinner Baking (“J. Skinner” or “the Company”), a leading U.S. bakery manufacturer of artisan baked goods including danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and bars, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Kowal as Chief Executive Officer and David Meltzer as Chief Commercial Officer. The appointments of Mr. Kowal and Mr. Meltzer mark a significant milestone in the company’s growth, reflecting its commitment to service, innovation, and distribution expansion.
Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, J. Skinner is an industry leading manufacturer of artisanal pastries and ready-to-eat baked goods through grocery in-store bakeries (“ISB”), foodservice providers, and co-pack partnerships. Founded in 1983, the Company has grown into one of the largest ISB providers in the U.S., selling its products in over 30,000 retail locations across all 50 states.
Mr. Kowal most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of BrightPet Nutritional Group, a Pet Food manufacturer for branded, private label and contract manufacturing customers. He brings a track record of transforming and scaling businesses, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation. Mr. Kowal has held notable leadership roles at other leading food and beverage companies throughout his career, including Dawn Food Products, Champion Foods, and Distant Lands Coffee. He has also previously served as an Operating Partner and Board Member of several private equity-backed food and beverage businesses.
“I’m honored to lead J. Skinner into its next chapter,” said Mr. Kowal. “This Company has a strong foundation, a passionate team, and a clear mission to deliver value to our customers and consumers. My focus will be on accelerating innovation, deepening our market impact for growth, and fostering a culture where bold ideas thrive. Together, we’ll chart a course towards sustainable growth and long-term success.”
Joining Mr. Kowal on the executive team is Chief Commercial Officer David Meltzer. A seasoned commercial leader, Mr. Meltzer will lead all customer-facing functions and play a key role in shaping J. Skinner go-to-market strategy, expanding customer relationships and elevating the company’s presence across the industry. Mr. Meltzer previously held senior roles at Teasdale Foods, Inc. and Pre Brands, where he spearheaded commercial strategies that significantly expanded market share, new business growth and customer engagement.
“I am excited to join J. Skinner at such a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Meltzer. “I see tremendous potential to deepen customer relationships, expand into new markets, and build a commercial strategy that is both bold and sustainable. I’m eager to collaborate with the talented team at J. Skinner and help shape the next chapter of growth.”
“We believe David Kowal and David Meltzer bring complementary strengths and visionary leadership to our organization,” said Trey Lee, Board Member at J. Skinner and Stellex Capital Managing Director. “Their appointments signal our commitment to scaling with purpose and striving to deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”