CJ Schwan's Appoints Gregory Yep as Interim CEO

Yep to guide strategic priorities and accelerate growth at leading U.S. food company

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CJ Schwan's, a leading U.S. food manufacturer and marketer, has announced the appointment of Dr. Gregory Yep as interim CEO. Yep, who currently serves as chairman of the CJ Schwan's board and CEO of parent company CJ Foods, will oversee the company's continued growth and operational execution while aligning strategic priorities across the enterprise.

Why it matters

The leadership change at CJ Schwan's reflects the company's long-term growth strategy and deeper alignment with its parent organization, CJ Foods. Yep's extensive experience in the global food industry is expected to help drive innovation and accelerate CJ Schwan's position as a leader in the pizza, desserts, and Asian-style food categories.

The details

Yep, a seasoned food industry executive, has more than three decades of diverse leadership experience in food science, nutrition, and biotechnology across numerous consumer goods and food-related multinational businesses. He first joined CJ in 2023 as chief technology officer, where he helped architect the company's global R&D strategy, launched transformative product platforms, and expanded strategic partnerships to fast-track innovation. Yep became CEO for South Korean-based CJ Foods in 2025.

  • CJ Schwan's announced Yep's appointment as interim CEO on March 16, 2026.
  • Yep first joined CJ in 2023 as chief technology officer.
  • Yep became CEO for CJ Foods in 2025.

The players

Gregory Yep

Dr. Gregory Yep is the chairman of the CJ Schwan's board and CEO of CJ Foods. He has been appointed as the interim CEO of CJ Schwan's.

CJ Schwan's

CJ Schwan's is a leading U.S.-based food company, with customers in retail and food-service industries. The company is a long-time leader within the pizza, desserts, and Asian-style food categories.

CJ Foods

CJ Foods is the parent company of CJ Schwan's and a global lifestyle company.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place and position our business for even greater success. Our vision is clear — to evolve into a dynamic, diversified food company and accelerate our leadership in global cuisine with speed and innovation.”

— Gregory Yep, Interim CEO, CJ Schwan's

“We will continue expanding the flavors we offer, strengthening our portfolio and delivering the quality and reliability our customers expect. Our teams remain focused on seamless operations and exceptional service.”

— Gregory Yep, Interim CEO, CJ Schwan's

What’s next

CJ Schwan's plans to open a new Asian-style food production facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2027.

The takeaway

The leadership change at CJ Schwan's reflects the company's commitment to long-term growth and deeper alignment with its parent organization, CJ Foods. Under Yep's interim leadership, the company is poised to drive innovation, expand its product portfolio, and solidify its position as a leader in the food industry.