BOSTON, MA - February 27 marks the beginning of a new journey for one talented industry ace. Ocean Spray Cranberries recently announced that Kristin Forney has joined its ranks as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 27, 2023.

“Having been raised on a farm in Nebraska, I immediately connected with the purpose of this historic agricultural cooperative—connecting our farms to families for a better life. Tom [Hayes], his senior leadership, and the entire finance team have created an incredibly strong foundation for growth. I look forward to further strengthening and shaping that prosperous future at Ocean Spray,” said Forney. “I am thrilled to join Ocean Spray at such a pivotal moment in their history, and truly humbled by the opportunity to work for and with Ocean Spray’s farmer-owners. To deliver strong financial results means we’re doing right by their small family farms.”

As the daughter of farmers and a food industry veteran, Forney comes to Ocean Spray with a background in finance, revenue growth, accounting, procurement, and transformation. According to a press release, she joins Ocean Spray from Hain Celestial Group, where she served as Senior Vice President, Finance, for the company’s North America Division. In this role, Forney led a finance organization supporting a $1.6 billion revenue organic and natural products business. She also played an integral role in transforming the North America business into a strong operating company while building finance capabilities to position the business for growth, the release noted.

In addition to her tenure at Hain, Forney also worked in finance and revenue growth management leadership roles across multiple businesses at Conagra Brands over the course of 15 years.

Utilizing her 28-plus years of financial executive experience, Forney will lead Ocean Spray’s financial planning and analysis, corporate controller, corporate development, procurement, and transformation teams.

“What immediately stands out with Kris is her passion for driving long-term growth—a true farmer’s mindset in problem-solving, innovating, and collaborating,” noted Tom Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer. “She is a deeply experienced CPG executive, but more importantly, a leader who recognizes that a successful finance team is one that partners across all aspects of our cooperative with a shared goal to generate strong fiscal results.”

Forney earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Hastings College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Congrats to this esteemed industry leader!

Ocean Spray Cranberries