Valerie Oswalt
CEO | Kodiak
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2026?
The category landscape continues to be widely talked about. In 2026, we’re challenging ourselves to remain fiercely true to our roots and our commitment to real food and real ingredients. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, testing and creating new solutions that meet our consumers where they are.
How do you define success for yourself and your company?
For myself, it’s not just about the targets we hit, but about the culture we build. If I can empower a team that is inspired, innovative, resilient and mission-driven, then I’ve succeeded as a leader. We strive to be a people-first company united by the common goal of feeding epic days and wilder lives through real, good food. For Kodiak, success means setting the gold standard for the consumer. We aren’t just selling breakfast and snack products — we are blazing trails and proving that you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality when looking for delicious meal solutions.
Describe the growth of your company in recent years. What other major achievements did the company accomplish under your leadership?
Since joining Kodiak in 2022, we have maintained a steady growth trajectory fueled by both base performance and innovation. We have introduced over 20 new products, disrupting established categories with our Granola, Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, and most recently, Overnight Oats. We’ve proven to thousands of households that you don’t have to choose between convenience and “better-for-you” nutrition.
On top of that, our expansion hasn’t just been a commercial success; our products have been recognized with industry awards, confirming that our innovations are both advancing Kodiak’s mission, as well as filling a need that consumers are actively seeking out. Finally, in 2025, Kodiak was named to Inc.’s Best Workplaces list and recognized in the Enduring Impact category, which honors companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and businesses. This recognition was a further testament to the culture we’re building at Kodiak, united by our common goal of feeding (and living!) epic days and wilder lives.
