“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
Josh Sowell is a transformative, charismatic, and solution-oriented executive who has spent more than two decades shaping success in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, with deep expertise across the food and beverage sectors. His leadership journey is marked by a rare blend of operational discipline, commercial innovation, and a relentless commitment to people and performance. Known for his integrity, optimism, and results-driven mindset, Josh has earned a reputation as a dynamic C-suite leader who builds organizations that win — sustainably, strategically, and with purpose.
From his early days in operations and marketing to his current role as Chief Commercial Officer at Trophy Foods, Josh’s career reflects a steady rise through some of the most respected names in the industry. Each chapter in his professional story reveals not only measurable growth but also an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, accountability, and vision. Whether guiding billion-dollar divisions or scaling a startup into a thriving enterprise, Josh approaches every challenge with the same principle that has guided him throughout his life: doing the right thing because it is right.
Josh’s journey began with Ralcorp Holdings, where over a decade he held roles of increasing responsibility across operations, sales, export management, and strategic marketing. During this formative period, he gained firsthand insight into the complexities of global food production and distribution, building the foundation for his later achievements in sales strategy and business transformation. His time at Ralcorp not only honed his commercial acumen but also solidified his belief that sustainable success stems from operational excellence paired with human connection.
His ascent continued at Flagstone Foods, where Josh served as Vice President of Sales. Under his leadership, the company experienced rapid revenue growth, expanding from $330 million to over $675 million within four years. He led cross-functional teams that bridged product development, logistics, and customer relationships, creating a culture of innovation and accountability. His ability to open new markets and strengthen national partnerships helped position the brand as a formidable player in the snacking space, ultimately contributing to its acquisition by TreeHouse Foods.
At TreeHouse Foods, Josh’s role as Vice President and General Manager of the Snacks Division placed him at the forefront of large-scale operations, overseeing a $1.4 billion portfolio with full P&L responsibility. Managing a team of over 40 professionals, he drove strategic initiatives that resulted in significant margin expansion and top-line growth. His leadership philosophy—rooted in transparency, empowerment, and measurable execution—fostered a high-performance environment that earned him the company’s Platinum Founder’s Award for operational excellence and superior results two years in a row.
Josh’s next chapter at SunTree Snack Foods showcased his entrepreneurial side. Joining as Chief Commercial Officer, he spearheaded a commercial transformation that propelled the company’s revenue from $35 million to $125 million within five years. He oversaw sales, marketing, product development, and customer strategy while guiding operational and financial performance through a period of accelerated expansion. His leadership during SunTree’s acquisition by Trophy Foods demonstrated his ability to navigate complex transitions with poise, ensuring continuity, cultural alignment, and profitable growth.
At Trophy Foods, where he continues to serve as Chief Commercial Officer, Josh leads all commercial activities across North America. His strategic initiatives have set a three-year growth path adding $120 million in incremental revenue through innovation, pricing strategy, and organizational efficiency. He also plays an instrumental role in mergers and acquisitions, ERP implementation, and international expansion, ensuring the company remains agile and positioned for long-term success. His capacity to balance strategic foresight with day-to-day operational excellence makes him an invaluable asset to both executive leadership and boardroom environments.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Josh contributes to the broader CPG community through his involvement with the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Board and its Finance Committee, as well as his continued engagement with his alma mater, Troy University, where he serves on the Lambda Chi Alpha Board. His commitment to mentorship, industry collaboration, and continuous learning reflects his conviction that leadership extends far beyond profit margins—it is about influence, stewardship, and service.
Personally, Josh’s values are deeply grounded in family and integrity. Married to his wife Mandi for over twenty-five years, and the proud father of two grown children, he attributes much of his success to the principles of effort, honesty, and resilience. Whether guiding a corporate team or advising a young entrepreneur, he believes that success is built on the everyday choices to act with purpose and to lead by example. His personal motto, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do,” encapsulates his belief that leadership is not declared—it is demonstrated.
Josh’s career has taken him from local markets to global boardrooms, but his purpose has remained consistent: to build, empower, and inspire organizations that deliver meaningful impact. With a proven record of driving growth, improving operations, and fostering collaborative cultures, he continues to shape the future of the food and beverage industry—one decision, one team, and one opportunity at a time.
Character:
Josh exemplifies unwavering integrity, balancing ambition with humility in every professional endeavor. His leadership is anchored in doing the right thing—guided not by expedience, but by principle. Colleagues and partners alike recognize him as a trustworthy, empathetic, and dependable leader who inspires confidence and commitment.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience across global CPG, food, and beverage sectors, Josh’s knowledge spans the entire commercial spectrum—from product innovation and procurement to strategic sales and operational optimization. He integrates analytical rigor with creative insight, enabling companies to make informed, data-driven decisions that lead to measurable success. His expertise in scaling both private and public entities positions him as a respected authority in organizational growth and transformation.
Strategic:
Josh’s strategic approach combines foresight with pragmatism, allowing him to navigate complex markets while delivering tangible results. He has an exceptional ability to connect long-term corporate vision with actionable commercial plans that yield sustainable profitability. His board-level contributions are marked by clarity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics that drive competitive advantage.
Communication:
Known for his charisma and authenticity, Josh communicates with purpose and precision. Whether addressing a board, motivating a team, or collaborating with industry partners, he fosters open dialogue and shared understanding. His communication style builds bridges—translating vision into momentum and ensuring that every stakeholder feels valued, informed, and aligned.
