Jim Leighton is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer and transformative leader with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food and beverage industries. With a proven track record of building sustainable growth, optimizing operations, and driving profitability, Jim has consistently delivered value to organizations ranging from startups to publicly traded corporations. His innovative approach to business challenges and dedication to fostering high-performing teams have positioned him as a visionary leader capable of creating enduring market success.
As CEO of Kalera, Jim orchestrated a pivotal transformation for the world’s largest vertical farming company. Recognizing the industry’s inherent challenges, he transitioned Kalera from a technology-driven model to a consumer-packaged goods enterprise, creating a competitive advantage in a historically underperforming sector. Under his leadership, Kalera secured over $28 million in critical financing, streamlined operations, and achieved profitability at record speed while positioning the company for sustained growth and market expansion.
Before joining Kalera, Jim served as CEO and Managing Director of Ingham’s Group Limited, a $1.7 billion Australian poultry company. During his tenure, he implemented a five-year growth strategy that included expanding product lines to include vegan and organic options, enhancing profitability, and navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership ensured Ingham’s maintained operations as an essential provider, safeguarding supply chains and delivering the most profitable year in the company’s century-long history.
Jim’s entrepreneurial mindset was evident during his tenure at Boulder Brands, where he served as COO and later CEO. He spearheaded the company’s transformation into a premier natural foods business, acquiring leading brands like Evol and expanding the product portfolio with Earth Balance, Glutino, and Udi’s. His strategic vision led to Boulder Brands becoming the fastest-growing natural foods company in the U.S., culminating in its $975 million acquisition by Pinnacle Foods.
At Perdue Farms, Jim played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a commodity-driven poultry business into Perdue Foods, a consumer-focused market leader. He launched signature product lines like Harvestland and organic chicken brands, driving sustainable revenue growth and achieving industry leadership. His ability to create and execute transformative business strategies resulted in a $4 billion global food products group.
Jim’s leadership extends beyond his executive roles to his work on several prestigious boards, including Aryzta in Zurich, Switzerland, and Ingham’s Group Limited in Australia. His governance expertise has been instrumental in guiding companies through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transitions that generate hundreds of millions in revenue. His commitment to fostering corporate culture and operational excellence has consistently improved shareholder value and employee satisfaction.
In his early career, Jim honed his leadership and operational skills at major organizations like ConAgra Foods, Nabisco, and The Hain Celestial Group. These roles provided a solid foundation in supply chain management, process optimization, and product innovation, skills he has carried throughout his career. At ConAgra, he delivered the Frozen Foods Group’s highest-ever EBITDA and developed frameworks for performance improvement that were adopted enterprise-wide.
Jim’s dedication to innovation and sustainability led him to found 40North Foods, a subsidiary of JBS Foods specializing in plant-based meat alternatives. This initiative reflects his commitment to staying ahead of market trends and creating products that resonate with evolving consumer demands. By leveraging consumer insights and segmentation studies, he identified key categories to optimize market penetration and position the company for long-term success.
With a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa, Jim combines academic rigor with practical expertise. As a senior faculty member, he has also taught Leadership and Organizational Behavior, sharing his knowledge with aspiring business leaders.
Jim Leighton’s career is defined by his ability to navigate complex challenges, inspire teams, and deliver strategic outcomes. He remains passionate about empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving results that exceed expectations.
Character:
Jim Leighton exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a hands-on leadership style that inspires confidence and trust among stakeholders. His “get-it-done” mindset and commitment to excellence consistently drive teams to surpass expectations and achieve transformative results.
Knowledge:
With a deep understanding of the CPG and food and beverage industries, Jim combines strategic insight with operational expertise to identify opportunities for growth and innovation. His knowledge of global markets, supply chain optimization, and product development has positioned him as a leader capable of navigating complex business challenges.
Strategic:
Jim is a visionary strategist who transforms businesses by aligning operations with evolving market trends and consumer demands. He has successfully driven sustainable growth, optimized shareholder value, and guided companies through major transitions, including M&A and market expansions.
Communication:
Known for his clear and persuasive communication style, Jim builds strong relationships with teams, boards, and stakeholders. His ability to articulate a compelling vision and foster collaboration ensures alignment and shared commitment to organizational goals.
