David Darragh

As an LVC Operating Partner, David helps the LVC team source, evaluate, and execute new food & beverage opportunities. David works closely with management teams post-closing in various roles to drive long-term value via strategic and operational initiatives.

From 2006 to 2019, David served as President & Chief Executive Officer of New Orleans-based Reily Foods Company, where he accelerated the growth of Reily’s iconic brands including Luzianne Tea, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, New England, French Market and CDM Coffees, La Martinique Salad Dressings, Wick Fowler and Carroll Shelby Chili Kits, and Swans Down Cake Flour. Prior to Reily, David served as President of Zatarain’s, Inc., a subsidiary of McCormick & Company. During his tenure, the business grew four-fold, from a regional player to a national brand. David’s responsibilities included building out the infrastructure to support Zatarain’s national expansion and extending the product portfolio to include a full line of dinner kits, frozen meals, condiments, and spices & seasonings. Prior to moving to New Orleans, David led the marketing and product development efforts for Denver-based Chef America, Inc. and the Hot Pockets, Lean Pockets, and Croissant Pockets brands, which grew from $100 million to $500 million in a four-year period. Chef America, Inc. was sold to Nestle for $2.6 billion in 2002. David began his marketing and business management career in Chicago with the Quaker Oats Company. David received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

David is active in the community serving on a number of boards and advisory councils including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – New Orleans Branch, IberiaBank, Baptist Christian Ministries, and Conscious Capitalism. David enjoys reading, snow skiing, boating, and dining with friends.