Hudsonville Ice Cream Picks CJ Ellens as CEO, Succeeding Tina Floyd on January 1

Hudsonville Ice Cream's board elected CJ Ellens as the company's next chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027, the Michigan maker said in a PR Newswire announcement on November 2, 2026. Ellens, currently executive vice president, succeeds Tina Floyd, who has served as CEO since January 2023.

How Hudsonville Planned the CEO Succession

Hudsonville said the appointment follows a succession process developed over several years by Denny and Scoob Ellens with trusted advisors, aimed at preparing the company for its next generation of leadership while preserving its culture, values and entrepreneurial spirit. CJ Ellens has held a variety of roles at Hudsonville over two decades.

"We've watched him grow as a leader over the years, and we're confident in his ability to build on what has already been created while continuing to move Hudsonville forward," said Bruce Los, a member of the Hudsonville Board of Directors.

Floyd led Hudsonville through four years in which the company expanded its branded and co-manufacturing businesses and strengthened its capabilities, according to the announcement. She will work closely with Ellens through the transition and remain engaged as a trusted advisor and source of continuity.

"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," Floyd said.

As CEO, Ellens said his priorities will include investing in Hudsonville's people and capabilities, using technology to strengthen how the company works and competes, deepening connections with partners and pursuing new opportunities for the business.

"It's hard to put into words how much it has meant to build Hudsonville alongside Denny and Scoob, and to work with Tina over these last several years," Ellens said.

Hudsonville's Partnerships Ahead of the Transition

Hudsonville is a family-owned Michigan manufacturer founded in 1926, according to company records on akta.pro, which list a headcount range of 101-250 and a revenue estimate of $25 million-$50 million. The same records list Tina Floyd as chief executive officer.

The records show Hudsonville partnered with McKee Foods in January 2026 to produce Little Debbie Ice Cream Sandwiches in Oatmeal Creme Pies and Cosmic Brownies flavors, plus 11 licensed pint flavors and 4 ice cream bar SKUs, rolling out at Kroger, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, Hannaford and additional regional grocers. In March 2026, Hudsonville collaborated with Albanese World's Best on Dirt Cake ice cream for summer 2026, featuring Albanese Gummi Chiller Worms that stay chewy when frozen.

The same records describe 26 core family-size flavors made with the same base recipe since 1926 and more than 40 flavors available in 3-gallon bulk for ice cream shops. Hudsonville's centennial celebration, tied to its 1926 founding, included a January 2026 "Ultimate Ice Cream Fan" contest with a $3,000 cash prize, a year-long ice cream supply and branded merchandise alongside a limited-edition Birthday Cake flavor.

Ellens's Start Date

Ellens takes the CEO role on January 1, 2027, the date Hudsonville gave for the leadership change.