David J. West

David J. West is an established leader in the consumer industry, with nearly 30 years of experience leading a range of companies and well-known brands. West became a partner of Centerview Capital Consumer in May 2016. Prior to joining Centerview Capital Consumer, he served as chief executive officer and president of Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly known as Del Monte Foods) from 2011 to 2015. When Big Heart Pet Brands was sold to The J. M. Smucker Company in March 2015, West became president, Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks until 2016.

Prior to joining Del Monte Foods, West served as chief executive officer, president and a director of Hershey from 2007 to 2011, after holding a number of leadership positions at the company, including chief operating officer, chief financial officer and chief customer officer. Prior to joining Hershey in 2001, he spent 14 years with the Nabisco Biscuit and Snacks group, where he held a range of senior leadership positions prior to the acquisition of Nabisco Holdings Corp. by The Philip Morris Companies in 2000. At Nabisco, West worked closely with Jim Kilts during Kilts’ tenure as chief executive officer.

West is vice chairman of the board of The Simply Good Foods Company. He previously served on the board of directors of Hershey from 2007 to 2011, Del Monte Foods from 2011 to 2014, Big Heart Pet Brands from 2014 to 2015 and The J. M. Smucker Company from 2015 to 2016.