Edward Smolyansky issued a statement on April 8, 2025, in response to the dismissal of Amy Feldman, Senior Executive Vice President of Sales at Lifeway Foods, on February 28, 2025. Feldman was widely credited for developing Lifeway's modern sales and growth strategy, known internally as 'Lifeway 2.0'.
Smolyansky characterized Feldman's termination as 'poor judgment' and 'a direct blow to the teams she led,' alleging it was an act of retaliation and consolidation of power. He urged the Board to take corrective action, including returning equity to employees.
He also reiterated concerns about the $2 million cash bonus and 283,337 shares, valued at approximately $6.5 million, awarded to CEO Julie Smolyansky without securing consent from Danone North America, Lifeway's largest outside investor. This event further fuels the ongoing proxy campaign and governance debate.
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