Rick Puckett to retire as CFO of Snyder’s-Lance Dec. 31

Charlotte-based snack maker Snyder’s-Lance said Thursday that Rick Puckett will retire as chief financial officer on Dec. 31.

The company has begun a national search to find a successor and will consider both internal and external candidates, Snyder’s-Lance said in a statement. Puckett will stay on as CFO until a candidate is found and moved into the job.

Puckett, 62, has served as executive vice president and CFO of Snyder’s-Lance since 2010, following the merger of Snyder’s of Hanover and Lance. He had been CFO of Lance since 2006.

Puckett’s leadership has been “very important to the company’s significant growth and success” over the last decade, Snyder’s-Lance said, citing the Snyder’s of Hanover-Lance merger, the acquisition of Snack Factory LLC in 2012 and the purchase of Diamond Foods in February.

“I appreciate Rick’s commitment to Snyder’s-Lance, and in particular his willingness to remain at the company to help finalize our Diamond Foods integration plans and to ensure a seamless transition with the next CFO,” CEO Carl Lee said.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Rick Puckett to retire as CFO of Snyder’s-Lance Dec. 31."