SunOpta Inc. Announces Results of Vote for the Election of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq: STKL) held its annual meeting on May 23, 2024, where new directors were elected. Leslie Starr was appointed as the new Independent Board Chair, succeeding Dean Hollis. Starr has been with the board since 2019 and is expected to drive SunOpta's growth and strategic initiatives. The detailed voting results showed strong support for the nominees, with most receiving above 95% favorability. Dean Hollis will continue to serve as a director.

Positive

• Leslie Starr's appointment as Independent Board Chair could lead to improved operational excellence and strategic initiatives.
• All director nominees received high favorability votes, indicating strong shareholder confidence.
• Brian Kocher received 99.19% votes in favor, signaling robust support from shareholders.
• Leadership continuity with Dean Hollis remaining on the board ensures stability.

Negative

• No immediate financial improvements or strategic plans were announced in the PR.
• Votes against some directors, though minimal, indicate not unanimous support.

Leslie Starr appointed as the new Independent Board Chair

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food, announced today that the individuals listed below were elected as directors of SunOpta Inc. at its annual meeting of shareholders held on May 23, 2024. They will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are appointed. The detailed results of the vote are as follows:

Name of Nominee	Votes in Favor	% in Favor	Votes Against	% Against
Dr. Albert Bolles	80,972,100	98.05%	1,537,615	1.86%
Rebecca Fisher	80,851,470	97.90%	1,707,708	2.07%
Dean Hollis	79,603,195	96.39%	2,909,027	3.52%
Katrina Houde	80,043,421	96.93%	2,515,558	3.05%
Brian Kocher	81,915,488	99.19%	643,261	0.78%
Diego Reynoso	81,522,223	98.72%	982,516	1.19%
Leslie Starr	79,989,339	96.86%	2,569,591	3.11%
Mahes Wickramasinghe	81,476,964	98.66%	1,081,542	1.31%

Additionally, as part of its planned board leadership succession, the SunOpta Inc. board of directors appointed Leslie Starr as its independent, non-executive board chair to succeed Dean Hollis as chair of the board, effective as of May 24, 2024. Ms. Starr has served as an independent director of the board since 2019. Mr. Hollis will continue to serve on the company's board as a director.

Dean Hollis said, “Leslie’s breadth of experience in implementing operational excellence within the supply chain uniquely positions her to contribute significantly to SunOpta's growth and strategic initiatives, making her the right choice to lead our board today. Her contributions at the board level over the past several years have enhanced our collective experience. We are confident that her insights and leadership will drive our mission forward and inspire continued excellence.”

Ms. Starr commented, “Dean's guidance, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in navigating the company's growth and challenges these past several years. Although he is stepping down from his role as Chair, we are fortunate that he will remain a director, continuing to provide his invaluable insights and support. As I step into this role, I am appreciative of his mentorship and excited for the opportunity to help guide SunOpta into its promising future.”

About SunOpta Inc.

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN^®, Dream^®, and West Life™. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529401963/en/

Investor Relations:

Reed Anderson

ICR

646-277-1260

reed.anderson@icrinc.com



Media Relations:

Claudine Galloway

SunOpta

952-295-9579

Press.inquiries@sunopta.com

Source: SunOpta Inc.

FAQ

Who was appointed as the new Independent Board Chair of SunOpta Inc.?

Leslie Starr was appointed as the new Independent Board Chair of SunOpta Inc., effective May 24, 2024.

What were the results of the director election for SunOpta Inc. on May 23, 2024?

The director election results showed strong support, with all nominees receiving above 95% favorability.

Will Dean Hollis remain on the board of SunOpta Inc. after stepping down as Board Chair?

Yes, Dean Hollis will continue to serve as a director on the board of SunOpta Inc.

What is the stock symbol for SunOpta Inc.?

The stock symbol for SunOpta Inc. is STKL.

How many votes did Brian Kocher receive in favor during the SunOpta Inc. director election?

Brian Kocher received 81,915,488 votes in favor, which is 99.19%.