Simplot taps Erik Brandenburg to lead Global Food division

Simplot named Erik Brandenburg president of Simplot Global Food, effective Nov. 1, 2026, as the company prepares for a leadership transition ahead of Graham Dugdale’s retirement on Dec. 15, 2026. Brandenburg will report to CEO Garrett Lofto and help steer a division with 22 facilities across four continents.

Why it matters: - Simplot is changing leadership at a global food business that supplies frozen potatoes, vegetables, avocados, seafood and other products to foodservice and retail customers worldwide. - The transition comes as the division continues expanding its footprint across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America.

What happened: - Simplot named Erik Brandenburg president of Simplot Global Food, effective Nov. 1, 2026. - Brandenburg will report directly to Simplot President and CEO Garrett Lofto and join the Simplot Leadership Team. - Brandenburg succeeds Graham Dugdale, who will retire effective Dec. 15, 2026. - Brandenburg will begin transitioning into the role immediately to support a smooth handoff.

The details: - Lofto said Brandenburg has played an instrumental role in the success of the Global Food division and brings operational expertise, strategic business acumen and a collaborative approach. - Brandenburg has been part of the Global Food leadership team and helped integrate Simplot’s former Australia and North American food businesses into one global organization over the past four years. - Brandenburg joined Simplot in 2001 as a management trainee in Caldwell, Idaho. - Over 25 years with the company, Brandenburg held leadership roles in operations in Moses Lake and Othello, Washington, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. - Brandenburg helped optimize production after the startup of Simplot’s Caldwell facility. - Brandenburg also helped complete and launch Simplot’s food processing facility in Mendoza, Argentina. - Before the promotion, Brandenburg served as vice president of global operations for Simplot Global Food. - In that role, Brandenburg oversaw the division’s manufacturing network across multiple continents. - Brandenburg was responsible for raw material strategy, research and development support, capital project prioritization and implementation, engineering and direct procurement. - Simplot Global Food has 22 manufacturing and processing facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America. - Simplot said the business is continuing to expand its global footprint while delivering food products to customers worldwide. - Simplot is a family-owned, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. - The company’s portfolio includes food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other agriculture-related businesses. - Simplot has major operations in nine countries and serves customers worldwide. - More information is available at Simplot.com.

Between the lines: - The promotion signals Simplot is elevating a long-tenured executive with direct experience in both plant operations and global integration work. - Naming an internal leader may help limit disruption during the handoff from Dugdale to Brandenburg. - The move also suggests Simplot wants continuity as it grows a geographically broad food platform.

What's next: - Brandenburg will formally take over on Nov. 1, 2026. - Dugdale will remain through Dec. 15, 2026, which gives Simplot a short overlap period for transition planning. - Brandenburg is expected to focus on operations, customer service and further growth across Simplot Global Food's international network.

The bottom line: - Simplot is keeping the Global Food division in experienced hands as it moves through a planned leadership change.