McCain Foods hires PepsiCo exec as COO

McCain Foods has named Victoriano Perez Mies as its new chief manufacturing and operations officer, marking the latest leadership shift in the company’s global operations. The move comes as Peter Dawe, president of McCain’s global snacking business, refocuses on that division. According to a LinkedIn announcement from Dawe, Mies brings nearly two decades of experience at PepsiCo to his new role, where he will oversee manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, environmental health and safety, quality, procurement, and broader operations functions.

Mies’ appointment fills a key position after Attila Tamer, McCain’s previous chief manufacturing and operations officer, left the company in early 2025. His transition from PepsiCo—where he most recently served as senior vice president of supply chain for Europe, aligns with McCain’s push to strengthen its operational backbone. The company, one of the world’s largest frozen potato product manufacturers, relies heavily on the convenience channel, supporting both grab-and-go and made-to-order food programs.

Dawe’s LinkedIn post framed Mies as a strategic hire, emphasizing his “deep operational expertise and people-first leadership style.” The comment suggests McCain is prioritizing both efficiency and workplace culture as it scales production. While the company did not provide further details by press time, Mies’ background at PepsiCo, where he held multiple global leadership roles, indicates experience managing complex supply chains, a critical area for a manufacturer dependent on fresh ingredients and just-in-time logistics.

For McCain, the hire comes at a time when frozen food demand remains volatile, with convenience stores and foodservice operators increasingly scrutinizing supply reliability. Mies’ focus on environmental health and safety could also signal a push to address growing regulatory pressures in food production. His arrival may help stabilize operations as the company handles shifting consumer habits, though the full impact will depend on how quickly he integrates with McCain’s existing teams.

The appointment follows Mies’ August announcement of his departure from PepsiCo, where he spent nearly two decades advancing through supply chain and operational roles. His move to McCain reflects broader industry trends, where executives with cross-sector experience are increasingly sought to optimize production and distribution in food manufacturing.