Latest issueJenison, EGR win state titles; Hudsonville names new CEORead now

Good Day Grand RapidsSubscribe — it’s free

← Grand Rapids news

Local BusinessTuesday, November 3

Hudsonville Ice Cream names CJ Ellens its next CEO, starting Jan. 1, 2027

The Good Day Grand Rapids teamFrom the Nov. 3 edition · 1 min read · 3 sources

ShareEmailFacebookX

Hudsonville Ice Cream has picked its next leader, and he's been with the company for two decades. The Holland-based company announced Monday that its board elected CJ Ellens, now executive vice president, as CEO. He is the son of the late longtime owner Dennis Ellens.

Hudsonville's CEO job will change hands Jan. 1, 2027

  1. 2003The Ellens family acquires Hudsonville Ice Cream.
  2. Jan. 2023Tina Floyd becomes CEO.
  3. Nov. 2The company announces CJ Ellens as its next CEO.
  4. Jan. 2027CJ Ellens will take over as CEO.

Sources: WOODTV.com, mlive

“I believe the best of Hudsonville is still ahead of us.”

CJ Ellens

The pick stems from a "thoughtful succession process" designed by his parents, Denny and Scoob Ellens, the company said in a release.

  • Priorities: workforce, technology, partnerships and new business opportunities
  • Predecessor: Tina Floyd, CEO since January 2023, stays on as adviser

Two decadesCJ Ellens has worked at Hudsonville Ice Cream

He has held various roles at the locally owned company.

Source: mlive

Sources: mlive, Crain's Grand Rapids Business, WOODTV.com

Read it in the full edition

More from the Nov. 3 edition

Read the edition
Prep FootballThe MHSAA appeals the order that put Catholic Central back in the playoffsIf you're headed to Catholic Central's stadium tonight, here's where things stand. The MHSAA filed an emergency appeal Monday asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to vacate a temporary restraining order that put Grand Rapids Catholic Central back in the Division 5 playoffs. The MHSAA's website still lists the Cougars against Comstock Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday, but WOOD says it's unclear if the game will go on as scheduled.Nov. 3 editionRead

More business from local newsrooms

All business news

  1. WOODTV.com2 hours ago

    Kilwins in Gaslight Village shuts doors

    After nine years of serving ice cream, chocolate and other treats, the Kilwins location in East Grand Rapids has closed for good.

  2. WOODTV.com2 hours ago

    Longtime Grand Rapids furniture store closes doors, property sale pending

    After nearly 80 years in Grand Rapids, Sullivan’s Carpet and Furniture has shut down, its remaining inventory is being auctioned off and and a property sale is pending.