The board of directors at Ingredion has waived the company’s mandatory retirement policy, allowing CEO James P. Zallie to remain in his role beyond the age of 65. The waiver takes effect after Zallie turns 65 in April 2026, giving the board additional time to plan a succession strategy while keeping the current leader in place.
Ingredion is in the midst of a strategic pivot toward higher‑margin Texture and Healthful Solutions products. Continuity at the top is viewed as essential to sustain momentum in this transformation, as the company seeks to capture growing demand for clean‑label, functional ingredients that command better pricing power.
"Jim has provided exceptional leadership for the Company in defining and pursuing its innovation‑driven growth strategy to become the go‑to provider of texture and healthful solutions that make healthy taste better," said Gregory B. Kenny, chairman of the board. "The board has full confidence in Jim, and we look forward to his continued leadership of the Ingredion team. Waiving the mandatory retirement policy for Jim provides the Board greater flexibility with its CEO succession process."
The waiver follows a recent earnings miss that underscored short‑term operational challenges. In the third quarter of 2025, Ingredion reported revenue of $1.82 billion, falling short of the $1.90 billion consensus, and an adjusted EPS of $2.75 versus the $2.90 expectation. The revenue shortfall was driven by softer demand in certain markets and production disruptions at the Argo plant, while the EPS miss reflected higher input costs and a weaker mix of lower‑margin products.
Investors reacted negatively to the earnings miss, but the CEO waiver was viewed as a stabilizing factor that reduces uncertainty around leadership. The decision signals the board’s confidence in Zallie’s ability to navigate the company through its current headwinds while maintaining focus on the high‑margin transformation.
The waiver provides the board with greater flexibility to identify and groom a successor, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to its long‑term strategy. By keeping Zallie at the helm, Ingredion aims to preserve strategic momentum, support ongoing transformation initiatives, and reassure stakeholders amid market volatility.
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