Welch’s Appoints Finance Executive to Board of Directors

William G. Barker III, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Federal Signal Corp., Joins Welch’s Board of Directors

Concord, MA, February 23, 2011

Welch’s, a cooperative of 1,150 family-farmers and the world’s leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, today announced the appointment of William G. Barker III, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Federal Signal Corporation, to its Board of Directors. As one of five external directors, Bill will use his extensive beverage industry expertise as well as his strategic financial planning skills to help guide Welch’s to achieve its short and long-term strategies for continued success.

“Bill’s experience is rooted in building a strong financial foundation,” said Joseph Falcone, Chairman of the Board, Welch Foods Inc. and President of National Grape Cooperative Inc. “Since early 2009, our new leadership team has taken on the task of transforming the 140-year-old company to ensure its long-term success. We’re looking forward to gaining the benefit of Bill’s financial acumen and industry expertise to help deliver strong returns for our grower owners.”

Barker will use over 19 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry to help advise Welch’s strategic and financial plans. He has extensive experience in beverages, serving past roles at PepsiCo, Inc. and The Quaker Oats Company, where he led the financial team on Gatorade. In addition, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Sun-Times Media Group, Inc., where he was responsible for all financial functions.

“I have great personal interest in and passion for the beverage industry,” noted Barker. “Welch’s is an iconic brand, and I look forward to working with the board of directors to ensure Welch’s continues to drive profitable growth on behalf of the family farmer owners,” Barker said.

About Welch's
Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch’s is owned by 1,150 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up this cooperative and who grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grape, used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers’ health and nutrition needs. Welch’s products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 50 countries around the globe. For more information on Welch’s, visit welchs.com and grapescience.com.

< Return to latest news