Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery has named Jason Hadley Chief Operating Officer, after an extensive search spearheaded by Karen Karp & Partners.

“Working with KK&P was such a positive experience,” said Ellen Puccetti, one of the co-owners of Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery. “They really held by the hand and nurtured us throughout the process, which is what we needed.”

Hadley brings two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. He most recently spent 10 years at Sodexo, a global food services and facility management group, where he advanced to Vice President of Operations.

At Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery (WDFB), he will oversee the Farm, Creamery, Bakery, Retail Store, Human Resources, Finances and Office Management. And in partnership with the leadership team, he will be responsible for developing, researching, and executing strategies to grow WDFB’s business.

“We really feel Jason fits into the culture of the family business,” Puccetti said.

During his time at Sodexo, Hadley was primarily responsible for preserving the company’s high reputation through optimal client services. He spearheaded strategic business planning and management globally for sports & leisure and universities and corporate services. He provided leadership and direction for all business aspects, including new account sales, account operations, growth and retention, staff development, financial growth and accountability. 

“The independence and entrepreneurial spirit that Sodexo gave me prepared me to be able to manage a business from day one,” Hadley said.

Prior to Sodexo, Hadley served as the Director of Operations and General Manager of Wolfgang Puck Catering from 2007-10, where he collaborated with internal and external partners to define and launch a variety of sales promotions. He set measures of success and tracked metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and controlled all profit and loss centers, including food, beverage, supply, utility and labor costs.

Hadley cut his teeth in the industry as the director of The San Francisco City Club/Puccini Restaurant Group. There, he worked under the tutelage of Bob Puccini, who he calls his mentor. Puccini helped him develop the critical foundation that he needed to grow as a professional. During his five years with the business, he provided leadership and support to executive staff through member relations, general operations and budget analysis. He drove member services and increased membership sales while also directing catering options.

Hadley graduated from the California Culinary Academy in 2004. 

Now, settling into his role at WDFB, he’s focused on solidifying systems and building a foundation for growth.

“Being on a farm and having the baked-good food element really piqued my interest,” Hadley said of applying for the WDFB COO position. “It’s a lightning in the bottle position.”