Michael Rice retired Aug. 20 a longtime executive from the board of Utz Brands, the Hanover snack company founded by his grandparents, Bill and Salie Utz. Rice plans to continue participating as an observer. But his board seat is being filled by B.J. Werzyn, founder and CEO of Mechanicsburg-based West Shore Home.
Rice, 81, began working formally for the family business in 1968. He rose to CEO in 1978 and added chair to his title in 1992.
In 2012, he handed day-to-day leadership to his son-in-law, Dylan Lissette, who presided over Utz’s transition to a publicly traded company in 2020.
Rice is credited with diversifying Utz’s product mix and expanding its geographic reach beyond its base in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
“His legacy as one of the true architects of Utz’s amazing success will forever live on,” Utz CEO Howard Friedman said in a statement.
Werzyn is expected to bring entrepreneurial and technology experience to the Utz board.
