Shearer’s is thrilled to announce the appointment of Steve Fuechtmann as our new Chief Financial Officer, effective April 2023, adding significant financial expertise to our leadership in the Food And Snacks industry.
Steve’s journey began on a family farm in Minnesota, providing him with a strong work ethic and grounded perspective. He earned his accounting degree and launched his career as a CPA at Arthur Andersen, gaining foundational experience in audit. His career trajectory then led him to Best Buy, where he progressed through various Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) roles, ultimately becoming Director of Finance and CFO for their Business division. Notably, Steve played a crucial role in transforming this division from a loss-making entity to a profitable sector, showcasing his strategic financial acumen in a challenging business environment.
His expertise further expanded at EcoLab as Senior Director of FP&A, focusing on strategic and annual planning, before joining Schwan Foods. At Schwan’s, he initially served as VP of FP&A and Treasury, collaborating with the CFO to revamp financial planning processes and recapitalize the business. His contributions led to a promotion to CFO of Schwan’s largest segment, Consumer Brands. In this pivotal role, partnering with a new CEO, Steve was instrumental in achieving a fivefold increase in business profitability through strategic improvements in pricing and supply chain efficiency – demonstrating a profound impact on a major food business.
Prior to joining Shearer’s, Steve served as CFO of Links Snacks, a substantial $1.4 billion family-owned manufacturer specializing in beef jerky and other meat snacks, further cementing his experience within the diverse food and snacks market. He oversaw finance, treasury, and IT functions, demonstrating comprehensive leadership. He also held the CFO position at Kindeva, a $400 million private equity-backed drug delivery device company, adding diverse industry experience to his portfolio.
Steve’s decision to join Shearer’s is a testament to our company’s strong business potential, clear vision, focused strategy, and proven results within the competitive food and snacks landscape. We are confident that his extensive financial background and deep understanding of the food industry will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate.
Favorite Snack: Salt & Vinegar Chips
