MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. — Brad Allen, vice-president of operations at Ardent Mills, has been selected as the next chairman of AIB International’s board of trustees, effective Oct. 26. He will succeed John Riesch, president and chief executive officer of Lesaffre Yeast Corp. and Red Star Yeast Co.

“Brad has provided valuable insights to date as a trustee,” said Andre Biane, president and chief executive officer, AIB International. “His leadership as chair will only solidify the future of AIB International.”

Allen’s career in the milling industry spans more than two decades. Prior to joining Ardent Mills, he worked at ConAgra Foods for 18 years. Allen recently was named to the board of directors for the American Bakers Association.

AIB International also has appointed two new trustees: Mahirwan Bhagia, senior director of global governance and compliance at PepsiCo, Inc., and Jorge Zarate, global senior vice-president of operations at Grupo Bimbo. Bhagia and Zarate will attend their first board meeting on Oct. 24-25 and will serve a three-year term.

Bhagia has worked for PepsiCo for more than 22 years and currently leads global initiatives to deliver safe, high quality product in every package and bottle across more than 1,080 manufacturing plants. Prior to PepsiCo he was with Hindustan Lever Ltd. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and a master’s degree in chemical process technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Zarate has worked for Grupo Bimbo for more than 30 years and has served in several roles, including national supply chain director and Asia Division general director. He holds degrees in biochemical engineering, strategic marketing and business, and is a 1989 graduate of AIB International’s Baking Science and Technology Course. He also belongs to several industry associations including the ABA and the American Society of Baking board of directors.

“Our new trustees will provide a fresh perspective,” Biane said. “Strengthening AIB International for future growth across the globe is a priority. We look forward to the guidance and leadership that our new trustees bring to the table.”