Newman’s Own Names Walt Zola as VP, Sales, US and Canada

Newman’s Own announced Walt Zola has joined the organization as VP, Sales. In this role, Zola will be responsible for all Newman’s Own sales in the US and Canada.

Zola brings to Newman’s Own 33 years of experience in the consumer products business. Most recently, he worked for Blue Buffalo Company, where he was hired to launch the brand into the food, drug and mass classes of trade in the US. Blue Buffalo pet food became the No. 1 selling pet food at many retailers, and they were named “vendor of the year” with various retailers under Zola’s leadership.

Previously, Zola held numerous executive positions in sales at major consumer brands, including Cadbury, Mondelez International, Schering-Plough and Johnson & Johnson.  

“Walt Zola comes to Newman’s Own with excellent credentials in sales and management,” said David Best, President of Newman’s Own. “He is a high-impact, accomplished sales leader with a proven track record of delivering business results and strategic initiatives in challenging environments. He is ideally suited to manage sales for our premium food, beverage and pet products in the US and Canada markets.”

Newman’s Own, the food and beverage company founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman in 1982, donates 100 percent of the profits and royalties from the sales of Newman’s Own products to charity.  The company, which started with one salad dressing, now has nearly 300 products sold internationally. Products include salad dressings, pasta sauces, frozen pizza, salsa, refrigerated drinks, cookies, barbecue sauce and snacks, as well as dog food, cat food and pet treats.

“I’m very excited to be part of the Newman’s Own team,” Zola said. “I’m proud to be representing this iconic brand, which is known not only for quality foods but for its social impact around the world by giving 100 percent of its profits to charity.”

Zola is a graduate of Villanova University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.