Nick Meriggioli enjoyed a 37 year career in the CPG industry, working in marketing and executive leadership positions.
Nick recently retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Johnsonville, Inc. He was appointed Johnsonville’s CEO in 2015 by owner Ralph Stayer, who served as CEO since 1968. During his tenure, Johnsonville’s sales doubled behind strong growth across the company’s U.S. and International business units. Nick and his team diversified the U.S. sausage portfolio into the fast growing better-for-you and snacking segments through acquisitions of Gilbert’s Chicken Sausage and Vermont Smoked & Cured Meat Snacks businesses. He expanded Johnsonville’s business into Foodservice and co-manufacturing channels through innovation and the acquisition of Salm Partners, the leading contract manufacturer of fully-cooked sausage in the U.S. He also led Johnsonville’s successful entry into Southeast Asia via acquisitions in Singapore, Philippines, and Malaysia. In addition, he championed many transformational programs to modernize business planning, strategic sourcing, and operations at Johnsonville. Nick modeled and was a strong advocate for Johnsonville’s caring culture that emphasizes individual accountability, continuous learning, and strong team collaboration.
Nick previously spent more than 20 years working at Kraft Foods, in increasingly senior marketing and general management positions.
He led the Kraft Foods’ Oscar Mayer business unit, including well-known brands like Lunchables, Claussen Pickles and Boca Meat Alternatives, from 2003 to 2013. Nick and his team members had many accomplishments, including the launch of Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Cold Cuts, a $1.5 billion business; the rejuvenation of the Lunchables brand, one of Kraft’s fastest growing businesses; and the launch of Oscar Mayer Selects, a better-for-you portfolio featuring no artificial preservatives. During his tenure leading Oscar Mayer, Nick fostered a people-first culture with a focus on employee engagement and development.
Currently, he serves on the board of directors for the family-owned Sub-Zero Group, Inc and for the private equity majority owned Verde Farms grass fed beef company. He is also an active volunteer with the United Way of Dane County and is a member of Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business leaders committed to study, live and spread the Catholic faith.
Meriggioli holds an AB in Economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business.
Nick and his wife Barb have been married for 31 years and have five children.
