Getwizer, the hybrid consumer insights platform, announced today the appointment of industry veteran Bruce Friend as its new CEO. Bruce is an industry-leading media and marketing insights executive with over 30 years of global expeience in media measurement, entertainment research, brand insights and strategic planning. Most recently, Bruce held the positions of Chief Product and Innovation Officer and Chief Data Monetization Officer at Screen Engine/ASI. His extensive experience also includes roles as President of Ipsos/OTX MediaCT and following that at Vision Critical. He has also held various senior executive research positions at major companies such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, MTV, Nickelodeon, HBO, The Disney Channel, Telemundo Group Inc., Saatchi & Saatchi, and Y&R Advertising. “I’m very excited to be joining Getwizer as CEO to lead the company’s future global development and growth,” says Bruce Friend. “As someone who’s worked in the research technology space for the past 20 years, it is evident to me that Getwizer has built a unique and innovative offering that combines the speed, efficiency and utility of an endto-end, DIY insights platform with customization and exceptional research services support. Simply put, it’s the best of DIY without clients needing to do it themselves.” During his seven-year tenure at OTX, Bruce spearheaded the growth of OTX’s Media, Entertainment and brand Insights practice, helping to elevate annual revenue from $8 million to $70 million, and positioning OTX among the fastest-growing research companies at that time. Bruce replaces former CEO Gilad Gans, who held the position for the previous 3 years and is helping the transition in leadership after managing Getwizer’s acquisition by Prytek in 2022. “I’m delighted to have Bruce continue the growth and momentum we built in recent years with top customers, and take the company to new heights,” commented Gilad on the appointment. As Getwizer’s new CEO, Bruce will focus on client and strategic partnerships, product innovation and diversification, data quality, and profitable growth.About Getwizer. Getwizer is a hybrid consumer insights platform integrating the very best of tech and human expertise to deliver a custom, quick and efficient research experience. We enable insights, product and marketing teams to study whatever they need, whenever they need it, freeing them up to focus on decision-making that drives growth. Getwizer counts among its clients brands such as Reebok, Wilson Sporting Goods, Playtika and Next Insurance. For more information visit www.getwizer.com. Getwizer Announces Appointment of Veteran Insights Expert Bruce Friend as CEO to Drive Growth Harvest Food Group (HFG), a leading copacker, supplier and distributor of frozen food products, announced high-growth CPG veteran Amit Pandhi as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 6, 2023. Harvest Food Group, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in June 2024, was purchased by Industrial Opportunity Partners in May 2023. Pandhi brings a wealth of expertise to HFG. He most recently served as the CEO of Popchips, one of North America’s premier better-for-you snack brands, where he orchestrated a remarkable transformation and revitalization of the company in partnership with private equity firm VMG Partners. Within a span of just three years, he oversaw the construction of a state-of-theart manufacturing facility, devised innovative market strategies, and effectively doubled the business. Popchips achieved a successful sale to a strategic acquirer in Q4 2022 under Amit’s leadership. Prior to his tenure at Popchips, Pandhi served as the President and CEO of Arctic Zero. “I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Amit Pandhi as our new President and CEO,” said Norman Young, chairman of HFG. “HFG is a rare case study of success in all frozen food categories, including Branded, Private Label, Food Service, CoManufacturing, and Ingredients. With Amit’s proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the food space, his guidance will undoubtedly propel HFG to new heights.” As a leading supplier of frozen ingredients in North America, HFG offers hundreds of top-quality IQF vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and herbs sourced from all over the globe. Investments from Industrial Opportunity Partners have scaled HFG’s manufacturing capabilities, including vertical and horizontal bagging lines that form, fill and seal; a bulk packing line that converts case sizes; a state-of-the-art bowl line that will fill, seal and carton all types of meals; and a specialized cup line that produces convenient, grab-and-go frozen or refrigerated items. These manufacturing lines produce some of the most flavorful, safe, and high-quality frozen food products in the industry. With Pandhi at the helm, customers can expect even higher standards of quality and service. “HFG makes incredible products across so many verticals, and I look forward to building upon its long history to grow our private label, food service, contract manufacturing, branded and ingredient businesses. I also look forward to deepening our relationships with existing customers, from the largest retailers and best global food companies, as well as serving the most innovative emerging brands in frozen,” Pandhi said. “We are proud of the position we have carved out over the past twenty five years as industry leaders,” said Jason Eckert, cofounder of HFG. “Amit will infuse a new source of energy and expand the vision for what HFG can become. His experience in building organizations and maximizing growth and profitability will help position Harvest Food Group to tackle the challenges that our industry faces heading into the future. I can’t wait to see what we are capable of under Amit’s leadership and the support of IOP.” Eckert, who co-founded HFG along with his father in 1999, will transition from President to board member.
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