Cacique Foods — a leading Hispanic foods company and maker of the No. 1 brand of authentic, Mexican-style cheeses, cremas, chorizos and salsas in the U.S. — has named Pedro Silveira, a seasoned global executive with 30 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, as its CEO, as the company continues to accelerate its growth strategy, expand distribution, and invest in its people and infrastructure.

Gil de Cardenas, who has served as CEO since 2009, has moved to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, having spearheaded the company’s rapid expansion and playing a key role in advancing the legacy of the storied, 50-year-old brand.

Silveira most recently served as president of North America ventures at Mondelez International, where he led the growth of innovative snacking brands, such as Tate’s Bake Shop, Perfect Snacks, Hu Chocolates and Enjoy Life. He previously held senior leadership roles at Danone, including president of Danone’s U.S. yogurt business and president of Danone Canada, where he led significant portfolio transformation and strengthened category leadership. Silveira is known for his purpose-driven leadership, operational excellence and strong track record of delivering sustainable growth.

“Over the last 16 years, I have had the great privilege of leading Cacique Foods as CEO — embracing a guiding vision to build the No. 1 brand of authentic, Mexican-style cheeses, cremas and chorizos in the U.S. and advancing our proud family legacy by staying true to our values of family, integrity, quality and authenticity,” de Cardenas said. “Having successfully moved our operations from California to Texas and developed a dynamic growth plan designed to expand distribution, product assortment and opportunities for our team members, I am confident this is the right time to pass the baton to Pedro to lead our path forward.”

“Cacique Foods has become an outright leader in a growing, billion-dollar category, and yet there is still so much exciting opportunity ahead,” Silveira said. “I am honored to take on the role of CEO at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working with the dedicated Cacique team to build on its powerful legacy and accelerate our growth in the years ahead.”

About Cacique Foods LLC
Family-founded in 1973 on the principles of family, quality, integrity and authenticity, Cacique Foods LLC is now one of the country’s top Hispanic food brands — the No. 1 producer of Hispanic cheeses, creams, yogurts, chorizos and salsas in the United States. Cacique Foods LLC is celebrating 50 years of producing authentic, fresh and high-quality Hispanic products.