Kincannon & Reed Announces Leadership Transition

Kincannon & Reed, a global retained executive search firm exclusively serving clients across the food value chain, announced the appointment of Isvaldo “Issy” Perez, Jr. as President and CEO, succeeding Greg Duerksen. Duerksen will continue his role as Chairman and will remain active in Kincannon & Reed’s recruitment services.

Perez has more than 30 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry in both the food and beverage sectors, as well as executive search experience.

“I’m delighted to welcome Issy as our next President and CEO,” Duerksen said, noting that the appointment was unanimously approved by the firm’s managing partner group as part of Kincannon & Reed’s ongoing leadership succession planning process. “Issy reinforces our ‘consumer back’ thought process in the food and agribusiness value chain and highlights our commitment to expand our client base close to the consumer in both food and beverages.”

“I am honored to work with such an experienced and knowledgeable group of individuals who have achieved an impressive track record of success,” said Perez. “I am looking forward to helping guide Kincannon & Reed into new growth territories and exciting opportunities.”

Most recently, Perez served as President of Britvic North America, the U.S. arm of a leading beverage company in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Brazil. While at Britvic, Perez oversaw the expansion of the company’s leading fruit juice drink across the U.S. Perez also has held several senior roles at Frito-Lay, including Group Vice President of Sales Innovation, Group Vice President of Customer Development and Region Vice President for Texas. In addition, he was General Manager of Central America with Kraft Foods and held several marketing positions at Nabisco.

Perez also brings experience in executive recruiting, having served as a consultant with Spencer Stuart focusing on placement of senior sales and marketing executives in the consumer packaged goods, retail, and hospitality industries.

“Organizations from farm to table are rapidly transforming, and they seek leaders with a strong grasp of the large-scale trends affecting their businesses, Perez said. “Kincannon & Reed brings a depth of understanding of the food industry that uniquely positions us for growth along the food value chain.”

Said Duerksen, “Issy is the right leader to take the firm to the next level as we continue our commitment to building strong client relationships and providing superior advice, counsel, search execution, and team development leadership to our clients.”

Perez earned his bachelor of arts degree from Hamilton College and his master of management degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He resides in Texas.