Milo's Names Emily Backstrom Chief Financial Officer to Lead Financial Strategy Amid Exponential Growth

BESSEMER, Ala. — (August 23, 2024) — Milo’s Tea Company, Inc., a family-owned business known for crafting tea and lemonade using real ingredients, has named Emily Backstrom its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Backstrom will drive Milo’s financial strategy and position the company for ongoing long-term success. 

“Emily’s impressive financial planning and corporate strategy experience, along with her strong leadership skills, are a great fit for Milo’s during a period of exponential growth as we continue to make the number one selling refrigerated tea in America,” said Milo’s Chair and CEO Tricia Wallwork. “As I strive to ignite Birmingham as a hub for consumer packaged goods companies, I am proud to have a leader of Emily’s caliber join us.” 

Backstrom will play an integral role as an executive team member. Her deep understanding of the financial landscape, coupled with her strategic vision, will be invaluable as Milo’s continues to scale its operations, focus on product innovation and expand its market presence. 

"Milo’s has had an incredible trajectory to date, and I look forward to playing a role in growing the business and developing the team so we can achieve our ambitious goals,” Backstrom said. "Being part of a certified women-owned business that values growth and development for all associates is truly inspiring, and I am excited to be part of this journey." 

Backstrom brings to Milo’s more than 20 years of experience at General Mills driving strong financial and operational results for beloved brands including Cheerios, Pillsbury and Betty Crocker. Most recently, Backstrom was Vice President, Corporate Finance for General Mills, where she oversaw corporate financial planning and analysis, global financial capabilities and supported the executive team. Backstrom’s extensive experience also includes mergers & acquisitions and leading enterprise strategy development.

Backstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She has relocated to Birmingham, Ala. with her husband and two children, all of whom look forward to being involved in the community. She said the move is like a homecoming because she grew up spending summers with family in Aliceville, Ala. and drinking Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea purchased from the local Piggly Wiggly.

Milo's Tea Company is a family-owned, Certified Women Owned Business crafting high-quality, freshly brewed iced tea for 78 years. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. Milo's has been brewing the best tasting, closest-to-homemade iced tea for three generations and counting. Milo's teas and lemonades taste just like homemade because its family recipe includes only a few real ingredients and does not contain preservatives or added colors. Milo's is also committed to sustainability, becoming a Platinum Certified Zero Waste manufacturer in 2020.