Hudsonville Ice Cream Announces CJ Ellens as Chief Executive Officer

PR Newswire

HOLLAND, Mich., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hudsonville Ice Cream today announced CJ Ellens as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2027, as elected by the company’s Board of Directors.

CJ Ellens, Incoming CEO

The appointment is the result of a thoughtful succession process developed over several years by Denny and Scoob Ellens, together with trusted advisors, to prepare Hudsonville for its next generation of leadership while preserving the culture, values and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped the company.

“CJ has a deep connection to Hudsonville and a real appreciation for the people and values that are at the heart of who we are,” said Bruce Los, member of the Hudsonville Board of Directors. “As a locally owned company, that connection to our people and community matters deeply to us. 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.”

Ellens currently serves as Executive Vice President and has held a variety of roles over the course of two decades. He is succeeding Tina Floyd, who has served as Hudsonville’s CEO since January 2023.

Floyd has played an important role in guiding Hudsonville through a period of growth and transformation for the past four years. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its branded and co-manufacturing businesses, strengthened its capabilities and built a strong foundation for the future.

“Hudsonville and its people have come to mean so much to me, and it has been a true privilege to serve alongside this team,” Floyd said. “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. I look forward to continuing to support the team and staying connected to the people who make Hudsonville so special.”

Floyd will continue to support Hudsonville through the transition, working closely with Ellens and remaining engaged as a trusted advisor and source of continuity.

As CEO, Ellens will focus on building upon Hudsonville’s strong foundation and positioning the company for long-term growth. Priorities will include investing in Hudsonville’s people and capabilities, using technology to strengthen how we work and compete, 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. “There’s a tremendous amount of hard work, sacrifice and heart behind where we are today, and I’m deeply grateful for each of them and the many people who have been part of that journey.”

“As we look ahead, I feel a real sense of responsibility for what we’ve built together, but also an incredible excitement for what is still possible,” Ellens said. “We’ve built something special together, and I believe the best of Hudsonville is still ahead of us. I’m excited about the momentum we’re building and what we can accomplish together—not only for the business, but through the impact we can have on our people, our partners and the communities we serve.”

About Hudsonville Ice Cream

Hudsonville makes real premium ice cream you can enjoy every day. Founded in Michigan 100 years ago, Hudsonville Ice Cream combines time-tested recipes with fresh milk and cream from local farms and other delicious ingredients to make the favorite flavors that have been loved for generations. This locally owned and operated company has revolutionized how ice cream is made, with the most progressive ice cream manufacturing facility in the country. Learn more at hudsonvilleicecream.com.

Hudsonville Ice Cream

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SOURCE Hudsonville Ice Cream

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