Robert V. Vitale, president and chief executive officer of Post Holdings, is taking an unexpected medical leave of absence, the company announced on November 6.
During Vitale’s leave, Jeff A. Zadoks, chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president of Post Holdings, will serve as the interim CEO, consistent with the company’s established emergency succession protocol.
In a press release, Post Holdings stated that it is too soon to know the course of Vitale’s treatment and the timing of recovery.
“Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Rob as he recovers. We are grateful to Jeff for stepping in during Rob’s absence. Post’s operating model and exceptional team of business unit and holding company executives give me great confidence in our ability to maintain the continuity of our business,” said William P. Stiritz, chairman of the Post Holdings Board of Directors.
Vitale has served as Post’s CEO since 2014. Prior to that, he was the chief financial officer (CFO) from 2011 to 2014.
Zadoks also joined Post in 2011, having served in other capacities, including eight years as CFO before being promoted to COO in 2022.
Post Holdings is the parent company of egg company Michael Foods, the 10th largest egg producer in the United States.
Post Holdings is also a significant player in the pet food industry, as the owner of Rachael Ray Nutrish, Nature’s Recipe, 9Lives, Kibbles ’n Bits and Gravy Train -- all brands acquired from the J.M. Smucker Co. Last month, the company announced its intent to acquire Perfection Pet Foods.
