Hudsonville Ice Cream announces new CEO CJ Ellens
Hudsonville Ice Cream has named longtime company executive CJ Ellens as the company's next CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Ellens was elected to the position by the company’s board of directors, according to a community announcement. He will succeed Tina Floyd, who has served as CEO since January 2023. Ellens currently serves as executive vice president and has worked in a variety of roles over two decades at Hudsonville. His appointment follows a multiyear succession process developed by parents Denny and Scoob Ellens. Floyd will continue working with her successor during the leadership transition and remain involved as an adviser. During her tenure, the company expanded its branded and co-manufacturing businesses, strengthened its capabilities and established a foundation for future growth, according to the announcement. “It has been a true privilege to serve alongside this team,” Floyd wrote. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and have tremendous confidence in CJ, not only as a leader, but as someone who deeply understands and cares about this company." Ellens is expected to focus on employee and organizational investments, technology, relationships with business partners and new opportunities. He sees both responsibility and opportunity in taking over the company’s top leadership position.
