Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ), a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, has announced the retirement of Michael W. Rice from its Board of Directors, effective August 20. Though stepping down from his position, Mr. Rice will continue to participate in Board activities as an observer. The company also announced the appointment of William “B.J.” Werzyn Jr. as a new Director, filling the vacancy left by Mr. Rice’s retirement.
Michael Rice’s association with Utz spans over five decades. He joined the family business in 1968, quickly advancing to Executive Vice President in 1970, President and CEO in 1978, and eventually Chairperson and CEO in 1992. In 2012, Mr. Rice handed over day-to-day leadership to Dylan Lissette, a fourth-generation family member, as Utz transitioned from a family-owned enterprise to a publicly traded company in 2020. Following this transition, Mr. Rice served as a Director and Chairperson Emeritus on the Utz Brands, Inc. Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Mr. Rice played a pivotal role in expanding Utz’s product line to include pretzels, cheese curls, and other salty snacks, while also driving the company’s geographic expansion beyond its roots in Central Pennsylvania and Maryland. Known for his attention to detail, Mr. Rice often said, “Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.” His dedication to this philosophy has left a lasting impact on Utz associates.
“Mike is a true Utz icon whose contributions are immeasurable,” said Howard Friedman, Utz CEO. “His treatment of our associates as family and his role in Utz’s success story will always be remembered. We are delighted that he will continue to provide guidance and insight as an observer on the Board.”
William “B.J.” Werzyn Jr. is the Executive Chairman, Founder, and CEO of West Shore Home, LLC, one of the largest direct-to-consumer home remodelers in the U.S. with over 41 locations in 21 states.
“The Board is thrilled to have B.J. Werzyn join us,” said Dylan Lissette, Chairperson of the Utz Board of Directors. “His entrepreneurial spirit, technology experience, and business acumen will be invaluable to our Board.”
Since founding West Shore Home in 2006, Mr. Werzyn has led the company to employ over 3,000 people, with annual revenues exceeding $750 million. In 2022, he launched West Shore for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving U.S. veterans, active military members, and their families. Mr. Werzyn resides in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and earned his B.S. from Penn State University in 1999.
