DURANGO, CO — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, a global confectionery manufacturer, international franchisor and retail operator delighting consumers through a premium offering of gourmet chocolate, confection and self-serve frozen yogurt, announced Aug. 16 that the company has embarked on a process to identify and select a highly accomplished and experienced leader to be RMCF's new chief executive officer.
"We are pleased to take this pivotal next step in strengthening RMCF and best positioning the company for its next chapter of growth," said Rahul Mewawalla, Chairperson of the RMCF Board of Directors. "We see great opportunities to build on RMCF's rich 40-year legacy and look forward to bringing on a new CEO who will help lead the organization, our franchisees, and our employees to future success, as we continue to delight our millions of consumers and enhance value for all our shareholders and stakeholders."
RMCF has engaged Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm, to conduct a comprehensive search process and support RMCF in bringing on its next CEO. As previously announced, current CEO Bryan Merryman has decided to step down from his position upon the appointment of a successor. RMCF is also actively engaged in an ongoing process to bring on best-in-class strategic and operational expertise to its Board of Directors. This will result in a refreshment of a majority of the Board, all of whom are independent, within the last two years.
Added Mewawalla: "We intend to identify exceptional CEO candidates that share our excitement for RMCF's future and I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members to bring on a talented and experienced new leader. RMCF has a transformative opportunity to capitalize on its beloved brand and unparalleled commitment to quality through focused innovation and thoughtful expansion into new markets. With the appointment of a new CEO and the addition of new independent board members with robust strategic and operational expertise, the company will have all the pieces in place to accelerate growth, improve profitability and create a more dynamic business for the benefit of all stakeholders. We remain ever thankful for our wonderful franchisees and dedicated employees, who have and will continue to define the company's exciting growth and success for many years to come."
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., headquartered in Durango, Colorado, is an international franchiser of gourmet chocolate, confection and self-serve frozen yogurt stores and a manufacturer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. The company, its subsidiaries and its franchisees and licensees operate more than 300 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and self-serve frozen yogurt stores across the United States, South Korea, Qatar, the Republic of Panama, and The Republic of the Philippines.
