From: Hannah Heredia
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 9:56 AM
To: michael@fb101.com
Subject: Executive News: Vandemoortele USA Names Curt Coolidge as New General Manager

Hi Michael,

I’m excited to share that Vandemoortele USA has appointed bakery industry veteran Curt Coolidge as its new General Manager to lead North American commercial strategy and expansion.

Curt brings more than 20 years of In-Store Bakery experience, most recently serving in a leadership role at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery. In his new role, he will drive the next phase of growth, focusing on scaling core portfolios, including Lanterna®, Patisserie Du Chef®, and our innovative BakeUp line.

I've included the full release below for your reference!

Best,

Hannah

Vandemoortele USA Welcomes Curt Coolidge as General Manager

Coolidge brings a proven track record to lead Vandemoortele USA's North American commercial strategy and growth

Pawtucket, Rhode Island - June 9, 2026 - Vandemoortele USA , a leading provider of frozen bakery products for the foodservice, retail, and c-store industries, has announced the appointment of Curt Coolidge as its new General Manager. Coolidge succeeds Thierry Schmitz, who is transitioning to a new leadership position at Vandemoortele’s headquarters in Ghent, Belgium.

Coolidge joins Vandemoortele USA as a seasoned commercial and general management leader, bringing over 20 years of experience in the U.S. In-Store Bakery sector. He has held General Manager roles in both private equity-owned and strategic bakery platforms, most recently at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery LLC.

As General Manager of Vandemoortele USA, Coolidge will oversee the company's North American commercial strategy, growth initiatives, and operations. He will focus heavily on accelerating North American expansion through acquisition management, growth of the innovative BakeUp portfolio, and the scaling of Vandemoortele's core categories, including Lanterna® and Patisserie Du Chef® premium desserts.

"I am honored to step into the role of General Manager at such an exciting point for Vandemoortele USA," said Curt Coolidge. "The team has established Vandemoortele as a trusted partner for premium frozen bakery goods in North America. I look forward to working closely with our partners and manufacturing facilities to bring even more innovation and value to our customers."

Outgoing General Manager Thierry Schmitz leaves U.S. operations in a strong position, having expanded Vandemoortele's commercial presence and overseen key milestones during his tenure, including the company's landmark partnership and the acquisition of a majority stake in New Jersey-based Banneton Bakery.

“Leading the U.S. business has been an incredibly rewarding chapter,” said Thierry Schmitz. “I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved together. I know the division is in exceptional hands with Curt, and I look forward to supporting Vandemoortele’s global growth in my new role in Belgium."

About Vandemoortele USA

Vandemoortele USA is a leading provider of frozen bakery products for the foodservice, retail, and c-store industries, with a focus on sustainability from ingredient sourcing to product packaging and shipment. Founded in Izegem, Belgium in 1899, Vandemoortele concentrates on two categories: Bakery Products and Margarines, Culinary Oils, and Fats. The Vandemoortele group has a manufacturing presence in 12 European countries and sells to more than 95 countries, including the United States and Canada. The head Vandemoortele office is located in Ghent, Belgium. Learn more at vandemoortele.com and connect with Vandemoortele USA Inc. on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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Hannah Heredia

Senior PR Specialist

224-520-3615 | 829studios.com

LinkedIn  | Instagram

Why It Matters

Industry operators should watch for follow-on developments as this story develops.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors