An outside CEO bridged Ganong's 2008 crisis, then Bryana Ganong took over in 2014.

Ganong Bros., Canada's oldest confectioner, was founded in 1873. David Ganong became president in 1977 and pivoted the regional maker toward national marketing as Mars, Hershey and Cadbury expanded.

By 2008 the company had suffered two years of financial losses while the Canadian dollar rose and commodity prices soared, closing half the industry's capacity. David admitted no family member was ready and hired the first outside president in the firm's 135-year history, food veteran Doug Ettinger.

Ettinger brought experience from Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Parmalat and Saputo and worked with David to deepen Bryana's business skills; the board appointed her president and CEO in 2014.

Ganong survived the industry shakeout and modernized — building a nut-free facility, partnering with Cooke Inc. in 2022 and making 75% of its output as co-manufacturing for other brands.

Bryana Ganong became president and CEO in 2014 after the bridge CEO mentored her; today the firm runs nut-free lines and co-manufacturing for other brands.

The family admitted the heir wasn't ready instead of promoting by bloodline.

An outside CEO brought modern FMCG experience the firm lacked.

The bridge was temporary, so the next generation still had a path.

The board, not sentiment, decided who would lead.

Hiring an outside CEO as a bridge — not a permanent replacement — gives the family time to prepare heirs instead of forcing an unready one into the job.

Bryana and her brother Nicholas now run the company as CEO and COO. The firm still makes the Pal-o-Mine bar, North America's oldest continuously produced candy bar, and is investing in automation and capacity while planning the next 150 years.