Bell Flavors & Fragrances Makes Leadership Changes
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has made strategic executive leadership changes within the company’s U.S. Flavor and Quality Compliance, Operational Excellence and Environmental Health & Safety divisions at its global headquarters in Northbrook, Ill.
“Congratulations on all well-deserved promotions at Bell Flavors & Fragrances. I thank these experts for their leadership and look forward to their continued success as they inspire Bell employees to uphold total customer satisfaction,” said Ron Stark, president & CEO.
Cody Heinz has been promoted to vice president of U.S. Flavor Sales in Northbrook. Since joining Bell in September 2012, Heinz has held positions with increased responsibility, most recently serving as director of U.S. Flavor Sales.
In his new leadership role, Heinz will drive the strategic direction of and oversee Bell’s Flavor Sales division, with a continued focus on growth and performance through all stages of the customer experience.
Heinz earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University and master of business administration degree from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He is actively involved in the flavors and fragrances industry and holds a variety of professional appointments, such as being part of the National Confectioners Association’s 2024 Class of Future Leaders, 2025 Western Candy Conference Chairman and serving as a committee member for the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association, NCA and more.
Justin Kozlowski has been promoted to vice president and commercial general manager of flavors in Northbrook. He joined Bell in June 2023, previously serving as the vice president of beverage, flavor creation & application.
In this new role, Kozlowski will manage Bell’s Flavor Sales, Creation, Application and Administration teams. He will ensure that Bell’s go-to-market strategy is executed with excellence, bringing targeted consumers closer to our customers’ brands through superior flavor experiences.
Kozlowski earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from DePaul University, a master of science degree in Food Science from the University of Illinois and a master of business administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. As a certified flavorist, he has been in the flavor industry for 20 years and is active as a Society of Flavor Chemists board member.
Mike Smith has been promoted to vice president of flavors and fragrances, quality compliance, operational excellence and environmental health & safety. Smith has been with Bell since July 2020, previously serving as the senior director of manufacturing at Bell’s Middletown, N.Y.. facility. He will now be based in Northbrook.
In his new role, Smith assumes executive leadership and is responsible for overseeing and developing strategies, policies and procedures for Bell’s Quality Compliance, Operational Excellence and Environmental Health and Safety teams.
Additionally, Smith will be responsible for maintaining relevant sustainability and quality management certifications and ensure ongoing compliance with local and federal food, chemical and occupational safety regulations.
Smith earned his bachelor of arts degree in government and history from the University of Notre Dame and his master of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He is both HACCP and PCQI-certified.
Kenneth Beecher has been promoted to director manufacturing at Bell’s Middletown site. Beecher has been with Bell since 2018, previously serving as the associate director of manufacturing since 2022.
In his new role, Beecher will manage all safety, quality and service goals in accordance with Bell policies, SQF standards and government regulations.
He’ll also lead the Middletown team as an active member of Bell’s Food Defense, HAACP, GMP, Food Safety and Quality Development and Recall teams while ensuring that departments ranging from Inventory Control to Quality Systems operate at peak performance.
For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
