CEO Emeritus
Mark Jansen has served as president and chief executive officer of Blue Diamond Growers since September 2010. With a leadership focus on innovation, safety, quality and strategic growth, Jansen has helped transform Blue Diamond into an industry-leading $1.75 billion global branded food manufacturer driven by a mission to provide economic sustainability for its cooperative of 3,000 mostly small, multi-generational almond farmers. Over Jansen’s 11 years with Blue Diamond, he has grown revenue by 9.4% CAGR and improved grower profit returns by 2000%.
Jansen offers a unique understanding of the branded retail, ingredients and food service businesses. His previous career achievements include executive positions with Schwan’s Food Service, The Pillsbury Company, Edison Brothers Stores, Inc., and General Mills, Inc, where he led profitable growth for brands such as Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Pillsbury, Red Baron, and Freschetta.
Jansen is former Chair of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as former Chair of the organization’s International Forum and former Chair of its Audit Committee. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, is the Chair of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership, is a Board Member and previous Vice Chair of the Almond Board of California, and is a Board Member of the Consumer Brands Association.
Jansen currently serves on company board of directors for Cakebread Cellars and Gemini Signs & Letters.
In 2021 Jansen was honored as one of Sacramento’s most respected CEOs.
Jansen received his MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in 1994.
Which Blue Diamond product do you crave?
When I’m watching my favorite football team on a Sunday afternoon I have to have some Blue Diamond Oven Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt at my side.